Laroche Chablis Premier Cru "L'Essence des Climats" 2021

Tasting Notes

As long-time customers may remember Les Vaillons is one of my favourite Premier Cru Chablis sites but I have been known to stock Fourchaume or Montée de Tonnerre when Les Vaillons has been unavailable or over-priced. Well, here is the ideal Premier Cru Chablis as it combines Chardonnay grapes from all three of my favourite sites. When I first tasted the wine in early 2023, I had already decided it was my favourite of the day’s tastings, before knowing its origins!

This is an unoaked Chardonnay produced sustainably by one of the best Chablis producers, Domaine Laroche. Lees ageing (in stainless steel) ensures the texture is interesting and the wine medium-bodied. Les Vaillons grapes bring freshness and mineral notes on the nose and palate which give the wine a certaine finesse. These qualities combine perfectly with the power, richness and orchard fruit flavours and floral aromas of Les Fourchaume grapes and with the complex citrus and stone fruit flavours of Montée de Tonnerre grapes. Apple and citrus fruits, lemon oil plus minerality and a hint of butter with light floral notes of jasmine and honeysuckle – This wine is very drinkable now and will develop further richness over the next five years. It’s a superb Premier Cru Chablis!