Domaine Laroche Chablis 'St Martin', 2022, Chablis, Burgundy, France

Domaine Laroche is deeply rooted in the history of Chablis, based in the ‘Obédiencerie’, a former monastery in Chablis itself, where wine has been made for over 1,000 years. The quality of the wines is consistently impeccable, with the Chablis hallmark of crystalline purity and racy acidity. Their ownership of vineyards is remarkable and sets them apart from their main competitors. Chablis is a fragmented region, yet Domaine Laroche owns 90 hectares of vines, including 21 hectares of Premier Cru and six hectares of Grand Cru vineyards. In addition to their own vineyards, the domaine has developed long-standing purchasing partnerships with 40 small growers and works closely with them on vineyard management. Both the building and vineyard are still very much alive today: the estate continues to make and mature Premier and Grands Crus in the original cellars. The domaine has been built up over the past 160 years, but a dynamism that is unusual in such a venerable producer permeates everything Laroche does.

The approach to production is meticulous under the stewardship of the technical director and winemaker Grégory Viennois, who oversees production for the Laroche signature. He is driven by a philosophy dedicated to caring for the land and the vines to encourage the purest expression of Chablis, practising sustainable viticulture with no artificial pesticides or herbicides. The winemaking is characterised by native yeasts and minimal intervention.

92 Points -Decanter (2021 vintage)

'Classy, understated style of Chablis with a great balance between ripeness of fruit and powerful acidity. The palate has a creamy texture with no jagged edges and fine, mineral characters coming through on the finish. Real purity and drive here - one of the best Saint Martin Chablis I've tried'.

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