Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2013
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Vineyard Profile
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Domaine Laroche owns 1.12 hectares (2.77 acres) of the 25.81 hectares (63.78 acres) of Les Clos grand cru vineyard. Les Clos is located straight in front of the village of Chablis at an elevation of 139 to 166 meters (456 to 545 feet) with a southern exposure. This favorable sunny exposure allows the grapes to achieve excellent ripeness.
- Definition: This vineyard was once completely surrounded by a stone wall, hence the name “Les Clos,” meaning “enclosure” or “walled vineyard” in Burgundy. Monks from the influential Abbey of Saint Martin at Tours planted vines here in the ninth century.
- Viticulture: One man, one plot: There are more than 30 people who are dedicated to caring for the 90-plus hectares (222.39 acres) of Domaine Laroche vineyards, with each person responsible for only one plot. This tailor-made approach allows them to manage the vineyards with precision, speed and accuracy. Everyone at Domaine Laroche practices “lutte raisonnée,” or “reasoned protection,” (using chemical intervention only when required): The vineyard is plowed to aerate the soil and encourage development of the root system, as well as the organic life in the soil. Vines are pruned and trained by hand, with a strict pruning and debudding regimen. Leaf plucking occurs to aerate the canopy and avoid the development of botrytis, while trellising aerates the grapes and provides them with favorable exposure.
- Vine Age: Planted in 1960
- Soil: Les Clos’ well-draining soil means that water retention in the vineyard is quite low, causing the grapes to be concentrated in both aroma and acidity.
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Vintage Report
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A year like 2013 required much attention. From spring onwards, weather conditions were particularly challenging, implying careful intervention in bud removal, cane positioning and leaf plucking in order to aerate the canopy and limit the development of diseases. Hand-harvesting and sorting were crucial for quality. Despite the demands of the 2013 vintage, the profile of each terroir is quite clear, and the wines are harmonious with the typical salty finish of Chablis.
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Vinification
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Pressing: Whole bunches in a pneumatic press, then 12 hours settling at 12 C to 15 C (53 F to 55 F) in large vats
- Fermentation: 3 weeks (35% stainless-steel vats, 65% French oak)
- Aging: 6 months (35% stainless-steel vats, 65% French oak); the first blending between tanks and casks is done in stainless-steel tanks; the wine is then aged on fine lees for an additional 6 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Bright yellow/green color
Aroma: The influence of the exceptional terroir is apparent in this wine’s pure mineral character and the intensity of ripe peach aromas.
Taste: Restrained at first, this grand cru offers finesse, complexity and superb length.
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2013 – 93 points, Year’s Best White Burgundy – Wine & Spirits
“… Its fresh apple flavor is completely savory, with an herbal edge of chamomile lending detail to the wine’s firm richness. A note of freshly churned butter comes up with air, hinting at the depths of flavor…”
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2013 – 94 points – Wine Enthusiast
"... this wine has great aging potential. The fruits show apricot and green plum balanced by a tense, steely minerality that cuts through like a razor."
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2013 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"Alluring, with a supple texture and spherical profile making an ideal backdrop for the lemon, melon, green apple, spice and mineral flavors. Starts out broad and lush, converging on the finish, showing cleansing acidity and a chalky feel."
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2013
This wine is a bright yellow/green color. The influence of the exceptional terroir is apparent in its pure mineral character and the intensity of ripe peach aromas. Restrained at first, this grand cru offers finesse, complexity and superb length.