FRANCE, Chablis
The winemaking origins of the Laroche family is deeply rooted in the Chablisien terroir and can be traced back through several generations. The vineyards lie on the Kimmeridgian stratum of clay-limestone soils. The combination of these soils and Chablis’ continental climate result in a uniquely mineral, chalky expression of the Chardonnay grape.
Winemaker & owner
Ancestors of the Laroche family owned vines in Chablis as long ago as 1695. Today, with Michel Laroche as patriarch, they are among the most respected winemakers in France. In 2010, he sold the family’s stake in Domaine Laroche in order to establish a new, smaller, quality-oriented domaine: Domaine d’Henri, named after his father. Of particular note are the 80-year-old vines in the Premier Cru Fourchaume vineyard, which produce the fruit for their Héritage cuvée.
“Chablis, that’s the purest expression of Chardonnay”.
Winemaking
Parcels are vinified separately in order to allow the personality of each terroir to be fully expressed. We also believe in minimum intervention in the winery; we use natural yeasts and want our wines to achieve 12° naturally, without the addition of sugar to boost the alcoholic degree, in order to express the full aromatic potential of each parcel.
Collection
The Chablis wines from Le Domaine d’Henri are uniquely mineral with a chalky expression.
WHITE WINE
Information
The combination of the Kimmeridgian soils that are so typical of the appellation, and a continental climate allow the Chardonnay grape to produce this fine, elegant and racy Chablis, with a distinct minerality. Made from vines of more than 30 years old, planted in 1988, 1989 and 2001 and vinified uniquely in stainless steel tanks, this is a great example of grapes harvested at full maturity.
Tasting notes
This is classic Michel Laroche: subtle, slatey, and mineral-etched. Classic aromas of lemon zest and crushed oyster shell, fresh and energetic on the palate.
Rewards
“You can always be sure that when you find a sub 25 Euros Chablis from one of the region’s top blue-blooded families,
you will enjoy it with an ear-to-ear smile. Michel Laroche’s artisanal, mineral-marked Chablis is just one of life’s simple luxuries.” –Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier
Tim Atkin MW: 90/100+
WHITE WINE
Information
Planted in 1970, this parcel reflects the nobility of the Fourchaume appellation. 25 percent of the wine is fermented and raised in older oak barrels. Extraordinarily fine and restrained for arguably Chablis’s most exuberant Premier Cru, this is an intense, precise wine with real focus.
Tasting notes
Lots of fine mineral notes, pure and elegant. Viscous citrus fruit, forest floor and a racy, balanced palate, underlined by a good acidity, give a wonderful, textured finish.
Rewards
Tim Atkin MW: 93/100
