Chablis Saint Martin – 2010
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Vineyard Profile
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Cuvée Saint Martin is a blend of the best plots of Domaine Laroche in the Chablis appellation. All plots are located on Kimmeridgian soil with a west to northwest orientation. Thanks to the diverse nuances of these sources, they bring richness and complexity to the final cuvée.
- Definition: Saint Martin, the patron saint of Chablis, was a Roman cavalry officer who converted to Christianity, lived as a humble monk and was elected Bishop of Tours. After his death in 397, his body was brought back to the Abbey of Marmoutier in Tours, where his relics (his famous cloak, in particular) were kept. In 877, as the Normans were invading the Touraine, monks took his relics to Chablis to avoid destruction. Saint Martin’s relics were kept for a decade in the Obédiencerie, the prayer hall in the ninth-century monastery in the town of Chablis.
- Viticulture: Converting toward organic viticulture: 2010 is the first year of organic cultivation for these vineyards. Domaine Laroche will require four consecutive years of organic cultivation (one more year than EU regulations prescribe) before their viticulture will be considered 100% organic. Traditional Chablis pruning system with strict pruning and debudding. Trellising to aerate the canopy and leaf plucking to avoid compact canopy and avoid development of botrytis.
- Size: 63 hectares (155.68 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 22 years
- Density: 6,700 vines/hectare (2,711 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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2010 was a vintage of patience and emotion: a rather favorable, dry spring was followed by a mitigating summer. The key to our success was a generous and conveniently timed ripening period in September. Harvest took place successfully in the second half of the month. We picked very healthy, well-balanced, richly flavored grapes, showing liveliness and remarkable wine aromas.
- Harvest Date(s): September 15-30
- Yields: 60 hl/ha (4.4 tons/acre)
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Vinification
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Pressing: Whole bunches in a pneumatic press, then 12 hours settling at 12°-15°C (53°-59°F) in specially designed wide tanks that accelerate the natural settling process
- Fermentation: 14 days at 17°C (62°F) in stainless steel
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: 8 months on fine lees in stainless-steel tanks; no barrel aging
- Filtration: Minimum filtration to preserve the maximum natural character of the wine
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 25,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 12%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Pale gold color
Aroma: Intense with hints of ripe white fruit and spring blossoms
Taste: Ripe fruit balanced by zesty acidity; lingering fruity finish
Aging Potential: 5 years
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2010 – 92 points – jamessuckling.com
“Mineral and sliced apple turns to cooked apple and lemons. Full and racy with a clean and bright finish. Delicious finish. So lively.”
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2010 – 89 points – The Wine Advocate
“The qualities of the year come through beautifully in the 2010 Chablis Saint Martin. Layers of silky, polished fruit flow with gorgeous length and persistence. The is another overachiever among the entry-level wines of this great Chablis vintage.”
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2010
Pale gold color; intense nose with hints of ripe white fruit and spring blossoms; ripe fruit flavors balanced by zesty acidity; lingering fruity finish