Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots La Réserve de l’Obédience – 2013
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Vineyard Profile
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Réserve de l’Obédience is produced from the finest selection of Les Blanchots grand cru vineyards. The eight plots that Laroche owns total 3.74 hectares
(9.24 acres). Each plot is distinctive, with different vine age, location on the slope, rootstock, clone origin and soil depth — implying a variety of styles. Vintage conditions also vary greatly. A site with favorable sun exposure may be too warm in sunny vintages; a vineyard with less sun would give more balanced grapes. For these reasons, it would be folly to strive for the best wine from one single vineyard. - Definition: The ninth-century monastery, L’Obédiencerie is where monks made the first Chablis, in the town of Chablis itself. The main offices and cellars of Domaine Laroche are located in this ancient stone monastery which is known as the birthplace of Chablis. La Réserve de l’Obédience is blended from the best wines of Les Blanchots grand cru, selected for their balance and harmony. Seventy different components kept in tanks, casks or large old wooden vats may be considered for the final blend.
- 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.
- Soil: Blanchots has a unique soil composition, combining typical Chablis Kimmeridgian limestone with a layer of white clay. Blanchots takes its name from this white clay which retains moisture and protects the vines from hydric stress.
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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
- Aging: After 7 to 8 months of aging, the individual lots are blended together from the best wines
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Light, clear, radiant
Aroma: Complex with floral and mineral notes and a layer of ripe white fruit
Taste: Floral characteristics; superb finish
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Grand Cru La Réserve de l’Obédience – 2013 – 90 points, Year’s Best White Burgundy – Wine & Spirits
“Laroche’s top selection from the domaine’s significant holdings in Les Blanchots, … acidity of the vintage points up a brash edge of oak tannins, lending the wine some astringency in counterpoint to the sweet scents of honeysuckle and lime. …”
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Chablis Grand Cru La Réserve de l’Obédience – 2013 – 95 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Named after the Laroche winery, L’Obédiencerie, this wine is a selection from the Blanchots Grand Cru vineyard. It is rich, but endowed with a taut minerality that cuts through the ripe green plum and crisp pear flavors."
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Chablis Grand Cru La Réserve de l’Obédience – 2013 – 93 points – Wine Spectator
"The light oak treatment melds beautifully in this lemon-, apple- and stone-infused white. Balanced and vibrant, with a long, savory aftertaste."
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Chablis Grand Cru La Réserve de l’Obédience – 2013
This wine is light, clear and radiant. The aromas are complex with floral and mineral notes and a layer of ripe white fruit. There are floral characteristics on the palate and a superb finish.