Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2019
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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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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 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 entirely in old French oak barrels
- 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 mushrooms.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2019 – Wine & Spirits – 93 Points
Concentrated in its volumes of yellow plum and almost metallic in its mineral density.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2019 – Wine Enthusiast – 96 Points
Les Clos has the reputation of being the most austere of the grand cru vineyards when it is young. Certainly this tight wine with its tense texture is just at the beginning of its career. Toast and crisp white fruits add openness to this structured wine.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos – 2019 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points
A lean, well-defined white, boasting lemon, apple and savory, saline flavors. Racy and firm, with a lingering, tangy finish.