Chablis Saint Martin – 2014
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Vineyard Profile
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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: One-man, one plot cultivation at Laroche, meaning one person is completely in charge of his section of the vineyard, from pruning through to harvest. Conversion to organic viticulture was begun in 2010 for these Laroche vineyards. Domaine Laroche will require four consecutive years of organic cultivation (one more year than EU regulations prescribe) before they will consider their viticulture to be 100% organic. Traditional Chablis pruning system with strict pruning and debudding; trellising to aerate the canopy and leaf plucking to avoid compact canopy and prevent growth of botrytis. Green harvesting when needed.
- Size: 60 hectares (148.26 acres)
- Vine Age: Average of 30 years
- Clones: Massal selection from Laroche old vines for the new plantings
- Density: 6,600 vines/hectare (2,670 vines/acre); 10,000 vines per hectare (24,700 vines per acre) for younger vines
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Vintage Report
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The ripening was slow and fully achieved, without any over-concentration. The skins were pale yellow thanks to a ripeness without excess. The overall health of the fruit was very good. The juice has a remarkable balance, with nice acidity, without too much malic acid, and the alcohol potential is medium. This vintage has great potential.
- Harvest Date(s): September 17-27
- Yields: 54 hl/ha (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 C to 15 C (53 F to 59 F) in specially designed wide tanks that accelerate the natural settling process
- Fermentation: 21 days fermentation at 17 C (62 F) in stainless steel
- Malolactic: None
- 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): 30,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Cases Imported: 1,500
- Alcohol: 12%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Clear lemon color
Aroma: Fruity, fragrant nose with hints of ripe white fruit and flowers
Taste: Lively on the palate with a mineral accent on layers of white fruit; a fresh finish
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Images
Reviews
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2014 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“A core of lemon takes on a slight waxy quality as this evolves on the palate. Pure and bracing, this lingers with a puckering freshness. Offers fine, chalky length.”
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Chablis Saint Martin – 2014
This wine is a clear lemon color. The nose is fruity and fragrant with hints of ripe white fruit and flowers. It is lively on the palate with a mineral accent on layers of white fruit and a fresh finish.