Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2019
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Introduction
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Blanchots has a unique soil composition, combining typical Chablis Kimmeridgian limestone with ammonites and 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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Vineyard Profile
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Domaine Laroche owns 4.43 hectares (11 acres) — over one-third — of the grand cru Les Blanchots. With south-east 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 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 tailormade approach allows them to manage the vineyards with precision, speed and accuracy.
- Vine Age: Up to 70 years
- Density: 5,880 vines per hectare (14,523 vines per acre); 10,000 vines per hectare (24,700 vines per acre) for younger vines; massal selection from Laroche old vines for the new plantings.
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Vintage Report
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The 2019 vintage bore all the extremes: April and May with night frosts followed by three heatwaves at the end of June, end of July and end of August. The vineyard suffered from almost no disease therefore very few treatments were applied. The harvest started gently on September 10. The grapes were perfectly healthy. The first juices were very well balanced which forecasts a vintage similar to 2017.
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Vinification
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PRESSING: The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. Whole bunches are pressed in a pneumatic press, and then the must settles for 12 hours at 10° C to 12°C (50° F to 54° F) in large vats.
- Fermentation: The must ferments for 3 weeks entirely in used French oak barrels
- Aging: The wine is aged in barrels with only 12% new oak for 14 months before being bottled in January 2021.
- Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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A real elegance appears in this grand cru, with a typical spring blossom aroma and a delicate mineral finish. On the palate, it offers a silky mouth feel supported by a lively, racy acidity. Blanchots is delicate, silky and shows its charm after five years in bottle and at peak after 10 to 12 years.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots — 2019 – Wine & Spirits – 94 Points
As full as you would expect from the heat of the season, but the dynamic energy of the wine sustains freshness and buoys the broad flavors of yellow apple and puff pastry. It’s generous in spirit, without being overwhelming in alcohol. Lush and delicious, it lasts on floral apple and tangy white cranberry notes.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2019 – The Wine Advocate – 93+ Points
Wafts from the glass with notions of crisp orchard fruit, white peach, apple blossom, toasted almonds and vanilla pod. Full-bodied, concentrated and reserved, with good cut and back-end grip, it concludes with a long, delicately honeyed finish.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots – 2019 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points
Apple and lemon flavors are shaded by vanilla in this succulent white, which is balanced, with a tactile feel on the long finish.