DOMAINE LAROCHE CHABLIS
BURGUNDY, FRANCE 2023
WHY BUY: Domaine Laroche makes mind-bendingly great Chablis, and at a great price — I mean, come on: Premier Cru for under $100! Now add to that a 2023 vintage that Decanter extolled for its "delicious, forward" wines. The upshot: Chardonnay's pinnacle expression at its most accessible. In every sublime sip, you'll taste the secrets to their success, which are really 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 (a could-not-be-more optimal mix of limestone and clay), and an insistence on low yields.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: These wines are not yet rated, but recent vintages have won raves from the critics, whose reviews don't just come with exceptionally high scores, but also pulse with energy and enthusiasm.
OUR TASTING NOTES: You’re getting more than just great, rewarding, and memorable wines; you’re getting wines that communicate the absolute purest expression of the region's terroir. We could go on for days, talking about all the things we love about them, but, in the interest of time, we'll try to keep it brief: we love their acidity, their concentration, their midpalate depth, and — running through every single one of these bottles — a crisp, clean minerality, with a sharpness that somehow never edges toward austerity. La Réserve de l'Obédience, named after Laroche's medieval head office, and sourced from selected parcels of Les Blanchots, is the prize. From its perfect nose, full of juicy orchard fruit and flint, it leads you (but leisurely) toward a creamy, infinitely layered palate that reverberates long, long after the last sip.
THE BOTTLINGS: Laroche's winemaking philosophy is centered on preserving the character and integrity 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 speak authentically (and heartily) of their origin.
FUN FACT: L'Homme Mort means, literally, "the dead man" in French, an allusion to the discovery, not far from Laroche, of several Roman-era sarcophagi.
OUR GUARANTEE: As always, we only 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 Fall 2025. 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. The price reflected on your order form is subject to change after the order is placed in the event of a change in tariffs or taxes that are imposed by the U.S. government, or in the case of currency fluctuations of 10% or greater. Offer not valid in KS, MI, MO, NE, NY, OK & TN. This offer is valid for TWO WEEKS, or until sold out, and will expire on Tuesday, July 8th, 2025.