Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2015
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Vineyard Profile
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Domaine Laroche owns 3.74 hectares (9.24 acres) — almost one-third — of the grand cru Les Blanchots. With eastern and southern exposures on a steep slope ranging in elevation from 155 to 215 meters (509 to 705 feet), these old Blanchots vines ripen with a matchless minerality and aromatic richness due to the Kimmeridgian soil and the vineyard’s eastern orientation, which protects the fruit from the late afternoon sun.
- 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 1950, 1965, 1968, 1986, 1991, 2009
- Clones: Sélection massale
- 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.
- Density: 5,880 vines/hectare (2,380 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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If 2015 was an early vintage, we cannot speak about a solar vintage, as was 2006, as it possesses a serious acid vertebral column. The tasting of juices straightaway showed a lot of balance and the delicacy, an impression confirmed after the fermentation where we found precise mouths, without heaviness, and aromatic white flowers. Wines show a beautiful acidity and a concentration which remind those of 2005.
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Vinification
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More information coming soon.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Clear, bright yellow
Aroma: Typical spring blossom aromas with a delicate mineral finish
Taste: A silky mouthfeel supported by lively, racy acidity
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2015 – 92 points – Wine & Spirits
“...apple-like sweetness, rich notes of caramel and smoky scents of lees. It’s as generous as you would expect a grand cru Chablis to be, and its clean flavors have staying power. Built to cellar, this is a wine to serve at ten years of age ..."
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2015 – 90 points – Burghound
"The barest whiff of wood can be found on the subtly citrus and oyster shell-tinged white orchard fruit-suffused nose. There is excellent density to the moderately powerful and concentrated medium weight plus flavors that exude a fine bead of minerality on the bitter-lemon, dry and sappy finish where a hint of warmth arises just at the end..."
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2015 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
"...quite vivacious and flattering bouquet of ripe clementines and quince, a hint of blackcurrant leaf and an undertow of mineralité. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, waxy in texture with almond and white peach toward the finish..."
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Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2015 – 90 points – Vinous
"Very pale straw-yellow. Slightly musky aromas of lemon, lime, white flowers, ginger and crushed stone suggest a classic austere Chablis. Juicy, savory and dry, even a bit lean in the middle, with citrus, spice and mineral flavors in need of a bit more texture and sweetness. Finishes with a slight phenolic bitterness..."