DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2022
Why Buy: We’re huge fans over here of Domaine Laroche, which has remained passionately steadfast to its core principles over six-plus decades in crafting its exceptional Chablis. The portfolio tour we've brought you — headlined by a 96-pointer and 94-pointer (unusually high scores from a critical community that has tended to slight the best white wines) — showcases Laroche's mastery of Chardonnay's purest expression. In every sublime sip, you'll taste the secrets to their success, which are no secret at all: a commitment to one-man plots (overseen entirely by a single member of the team), the utmost devotion in the cellar to retaining the character and purity of its famed Kimmeridgian soils, and an insistence on low yields.
What They're Saying: The Wine Enthusiast lavished 96 points upon the 2019 vintage of Les Blanchots La Réserve de l'Obédience Grand Cru, which comes from selected parcels of Les Blanchots, calling it "concentrated" and "delineated with acidity," and showing "white fruits and a steely textured edge." The WE also weighed in on the 2020 vintage, and was swept away: "the delicious umami midpalate of this wine is everything," it wrote, going on to tick off the vivid array of flavors this "exciting" wine calls forth: "fresh verbena skin, lemon oil, acacia spice, dandelion, celery leaf and black peppercorn."
Our Tasting Notes: Tasting Laroche's Chablis is akin to experiencing the region's terroir in liquid form. The wines resound with crisp, clean minerality, with a sharpness that never edges toward austerity. La Réserve de l'Obédience, named after Laroche's medieval head office, offers haunting complexity. The nose unfolds with juicy orchard fruit and flint, leading to a creamy, infinitely layered palate that reverberates long after the last sip.
The Bottlings: Laroche's winemaking philosophy centers on preserving the pure expression of each vineyard plot. Fermentation typically occurs in stainless steel, with premiers and grands crus partially barrel-fermented for added complexity. In a bold move to retain purity and minerality, Michel Laroche became the first Burgundian producer to adopt screwcap closures in 2001, even for Grand Cru wines.
The Story: Though the Laroche legacy in Chablis began in 1850, when Jean Victor Laroche purchased his first vineyard parcels, it was Michel Laroche who, at the beyond-tender age of 17, set the estate on a path to becoming a world-class operation. He recognized the untapped potential of Chablis and dedicated his life to elevating its wines. Under his stewardship, Domaine Laroche expanded thoughtfully, focusing on quality over quantity. In 1985, Michel acquired L'Obédiencerie, a former monastery where monks first made Chablis wines in the 9th century. This historic site now houses Laroche's aging cellars, infusing each bottle with centuries of winemaking tradition. Laroche's influence extends beyond their own domaine. In 2000, Michel founded the Union des Grands Crus de Chablis, implementing quality controls that have shaped the region's standards. Today, Domaine Laroche continues to lead, actively converting to organic viticulture and pioneering innovative practices. The domaine's unique "one-man plot" approach ensures meticulous care for each parcel, from pruning to harvest. This hands-on method, combined with a focus on low yields and natural vineyard management, results in wines that truly speak of their origin.
Fun Fact: Chablis' Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards are planted primarily on Kimmeridgian soil — a unique mixture of clay, chalk, and fossilized oyster shells. This distinctive terroir is largely responsible for the crisp, mineral-driven character that has made Chablis wines prized worldwide.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so you can be confident that your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in DE, VA, KS, LA, MI, NC, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, August 18h, 2024.
