Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2019
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Introduction
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Vaudevey can also be written in three words: “Vau,” “de,” and “Vey.” These words refer to the “Valley,” or “Vau,” of the “Vey,” which comes from the Latin word “Vadum,” which translates to “humid place” because of the river that used to flood the entrance of the valley.
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Vineyard Profile
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Domaine Laroche is one of only three proprietors in Premier Cru Les Vaudevey, owning 24.61 acres of the 102.13 acres premier cru vineyard. Planted on steep slopes of 30-50% at 640 to 771 feet with an eastern to southeastern exposure, the vines enjoy morning to early afternoon sun. The coolest valley of the Domaine Laroche vineyard—always the last one to be harvested.
- 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.
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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, 74% in stainless steel vats and 26% in French oak barrels.
- Aging: Nine months in 72% stainless steel tank, the rest in barrels. only 5% new oak in total.
- Filtration: Minimal filtration is used to preserve and maximize the natural character of the wine. Bottled in September 2020.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Bright gold in color. Hints of minerality layered with citrus notes of lemon peel. Nervy, racy and lively. You can enjoy it by the glass, with oysters, seafood and smoked salmon. Also, pairs well with Asian food and light cheese.
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Images
Reviews
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey — 2019 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
This wine offers ripe yellow fruit and light spice flavors. Juiciness comes with the citrus tang, allied to a touch of toast and final tight, textured aftertaste.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2019 – Wine & Spirits – 90 Points
Flavors of underripe peach, orange pith and acidity. Wait a day and the length of the wine fills out, turning lemony and graceful, still undeveloped.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2019 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
A refreshing, lemon-flavored white, accented by green apple and honeysuckle. Balanced and vibrant, leaving a mouthwatering finish.
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Domaine Laroche Chablis Premier Cru Les Vaudevey – 2019 – The Wine Advocate – 90+ Points
A medium to full-bodied, layered and complete wine evocative of crisp orchard fruit, white flowers, fresh bread and oyster shell. Satiny and tensile.