Product Description: Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 2023 showcases the exceptional quality and dedication that Pierrick Laroche brings to the vineyards of Chablis. This wine comes from a mix of parcels within the Maligny commune, with vines that average 30 years old, cultivated in soils rich with clay that impart a distinct smoky and flinty character to the wine. Pierrick's dedication to slow growth and his meticulous care for his land have resulted in a wine of remarkable complexity and freshness. The 2023 vintage, while not quite as exceptional as the 2022, displays a beautifully balanced style reminiscent of the 2018 vintage, with a vibrant freshness and depth. Harvested by hand and vinified in stainless steel, the wine maintains its signature minerality, enhanced by orchard fruit flavours and a crisp, clean structure.
Ideal with seafood, oysters, grilled fish, and goat cheese
Maker:
Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields.
Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines.
Philosophy:
Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation.
One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking.
Tasting Notes:
NOSE: Fresh, Floral, Mineral
Fresh and expressive, with aromas of white flowers, citrus zest, and a subtle smokiness. The distinctive flinty minerality gives the wine an enticing complexity.
PALATE: Crisp, Elegant, Tense
Wonderfully crisp and elegant, with flavours of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of lemon zest. Medium-weight, with an exquisite tension and freshness provided by the wine's natural acidity. The texture is smooth and mineral, with the flinty notes carrying through beautifully.
FINISH: Long, Balanced, Clean
The finish is long and clean, with the wine’s assertive acidity and mineral qualities leaving a lasting impression. The smoky, flinty notes linger gracefully, highlighting the wine's exceptional balance and quality.
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Chablis
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%