Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots La Réserve de l’Obédience — 2021
-
Introduction
-
The favorite Grand Cru of Domaine Laroche offers much finesse and charm. Since 1991 unique blend of the best selection of Grand Cru Les Blanchots takes place at the beginning of the summer every year in the historical cellar. Every year the vintage is “sponsored” by a godmother or a godfather who joined this unique moment Andreas Larsson in 2019 Julie Depouy in 2017 Elyse Lambert in
2015 Gérard Basset in 2014. Limited edition from 1500 to 3000 bottles maximum
-
-
Vineyard Profile
-
Domaine Laroche owns 4.56 hectares of this Grand Cru (11.65 ha in total), about one-third of the total surface of this growth. Les Blanchots is a unique terroir made of a layer of white clay on Kimmeridgian limestone with ammonites. Blanchots takes its name from the white clays that are very present on this exceptionally steep hillside. A delight for paleontology enthusiasts and for the vines, an ideal combination that retains water in depth to feed the roots. The South-East exposure and the presence of clay allow for slow maturation, without degradation of the aromas.
- 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.
- 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
-
-
Vintage Report
-
Harvest 2020 started on August 25th. The harvest was impacted by drought, particularly the yields of certain plots that were well exposed to the sun.
-
-
Vinification
-
The whole bunches are placed in a pneumatic press, then the must rests for 12 hours at a temperature of 12-15°C in large tanks designed for this purpose, which accelerates the natural sedimentation. The must ferments at 20°C for 3 weeks. Hand harvest. 9 months of winemaking and ageing in Burgundian barrels (228L) and demi-muids (400L and 600L). Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. After the final blend in stainless steel tank, the wine continues ageing on average for 6 extra months. Bottling with a very low concentration of sulfites and very soft filtration.
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
-
Tasting Notes
-
“A finer core of aroma – almost a perfect mix of fruit and flowers – yes! Large scale, more open, less overtly generous, such vibrant
complexity as you head into the finish, tons of middle salinity then a finish that haunts. Always impressive, almost always great in 21 this is surely great – bravo!” -Bill Nanson
-
Images
Reviews
-
Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots La Réserve de l’Obédience — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
"Shows vanilla and pastry notes that frame a core of peach, yellow plum and lemon flavors. Reveals a buried mineral element, while youthful power disrupts the balance for now. Offers fine length."