Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2018
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Vineyard Profile
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Domaine Laroche owns 1.12 hectares of the Grand Cru Les Clos appellation(25.81 ha in total). Les Clos is located straight in front of the village of Chablis with a Southern exposure. This favorable sunny exposure allows grapes to achieve excellent ripeness. Therefore, Les Clos is the most sinewy and long-lasting Grand Cru of Domaine Laroche. Massale Selection from Blanchot 1950 vineyards was planted in 2018.
- 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 9th 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.
- Vine Age: From 30 to 50 years old
- Density: 5,880 vines per hectare (2,380 vines per acre); 10,000 vines per hectare (4,047 vines per acre) for younger vines
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Vintage Report
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In 2018 the summer conditions were dry with temperatures above seasonal norms (> 98 °F) which favored an advanced veraison of 8 days compared to the previous year. After 2 challenging years with harvest volume down 50%, we are thankful for the abundant and high quality of vintage 2018.
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Vinification
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PRESSING: The grapes are harvested and sorted by hand. Whole bunches in a pneumatic press, then 12 hours settling at 12° C to 15° C (53° F to 59° F) in specially designed wide tanks.
- Fermentation: The must ferments for 3 weeks, a part in stainless steel vats and the other one in French oak barrels.
- Aging: 12 months aging, around 60% in stainless steel vats and the rest in French oak barrels. Then, 6 months aging in bottles.
- 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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The influence of this exceptional terroir appears in the pure mineral character and the intensity of aromas. Quite restrained at first, this Grand Cru offers finesse, complexity and a superb length. Culinary inspirations: smoked wild salmon, lobster salad, Royal King Crab, mature cheeses and chopped veal with creamy sauce and porcini.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2018 – The Wine Advocate – 92+ Points
Opens in the glass with youthfully reserved notes of citrus oil, fresh bread, pear, peach and praline. Full-bodied, layered, and concentrated, with good texture, cut and structure.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 95 Points
Just a touch of smoke intrudes upon the lemon freshness and chalky depth appar-ent on this wine’s nose. A hint of passion fruit lends a tropical spin. The palate focuses on an almost candied lemon richness and concentration that suf-fuses itself with the chalky depth of the midpalate. This wine is textured, rounded and generous, yet highlighted by that lemon brightness. It’s a reso-nant, rich wine that will evolve. Drink 2022–2040.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2018 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
Bright and creamy, this white exhibits vanilla, lemon cake and peach flavors, with a light salinity underneath. Vibrant and fresh, with a long, citrus-and pastry-tinged aftertaste. Altogether fresh, elegant and harmonious. Drink now through 2024.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos — 2018 – Burghound – 92 Points
Ripe yet cool aromas mix plenty of floral influence with a whiff of wood, iodine and algae. There is very good energy to the well-detailed yet rich middle weight plus flavors that exude evident minerality and salinity on the dry, powerful and palate coating finish. This is a big but balanced wine that is robust to the point of rusticity though I suspect that will age out with a few years of cellaring. But make no mistake, this is a muscular Les Clos.