Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2022

Description

Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2022 is also known as Domaine Lavantureux Chablis 2022. In earlier vintages, this wine was labelled as Lavantureux Frères Chablis just to add to the confusion – and I still have a few bottles left of the 2020 vintage. It has been decided to relabel under the Roland Lavantureux name; Roland is the father of the two brothers and the second generation winemaker. Roland’s sons, David and Arnaud, perpetuate the family tradition aiming to produce “intense and alive Chablis” from the Burgundy estate spread over a number of different terroirs.

Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2022 can be described as “classic Chablis” shaped by the warm, dry conditions of the 2022 vintage. Despite the warm dry conditions which saw excellent fruit quality, yields were not excessive and acidity remained high, a crucial characteristic of good Chablis. This wine is a reflection of that balance between concentration and freshness. On the nose it has a delicate bouquet of citrus fruits – lemon zest and green apples – underpinned by subtle mineral notes of wet stone and flint. These are hallmark characteristics of Chablis, but the warmth of the vintage gives the aromas an added intensity with hints of ripe white peach and a faint floral lift. On the palate, Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2022 shows a lovely balance of richness and acidity. The wine’s body is medium, with a smooth, almost creamy texture that speaks to the ripeness of the fruit, but the trademark steeliness of Chablis remains at the core. The lively acidity is bright and energizing, cutting through the subtle roundness and ensuring a crisp, refreshing finish. The long finish leaves behind a lingering saline minerality, a direct result of the limestone soils of the region.

While Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis 2022 can be enjoyed young, its structure means that it will evolve over the next few years. The 2022 vintage has imparted a slightly more generous texture than cooler years making this Chablis particularly approachable, yet it retains the classic elegance and finesse that is expected from good Chablis. Domaine Lavantureux follows the principles of “viticulture intégrée” which means minimum intervention, no weeding or pesticides etc. Yields and temperatures are controlled to bring out all the aromas and to keep fresh and mineral characteristics. Just 25% of the wine is aged in used oak barrels so the oak influence is more on the texture than on the taste of the wine. Added texture and body comes from lees ageing.

For a more intense and oaked Chablis, try Brocard’s Chablis Premier Cru Montmains.