Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2022

Product Information: Pierrick works with dynamic Beauroy parcels in the favoured lieu-dit of Cote de Savant, just opposite the famed 1er cru Fourchaume. This site is perched above a small lake beside the village of Biene, which enjoys a cooler south-east exposure. As Côte de Savant is a sun-drenched Climat, its wines typically have a generous unctuous structure. In the glass, it’s a balancing act where acidity and minerality interlace, making these wines rich and with powerful tension. They can be enjoyed young or after ageing a few years. Vinified in stainless steel with 25% matured in older oak barrels. This cuvee always shows well when young with lovely finesse and detail with excellent balance and freshness. Maker: Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family’s estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. The name of Pierrick’s Domaine, “hâtes” refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term “hâtes” was often used to describe such fields. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick’s family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Philosophy: Pierrick’s cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche’s dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. Nose – Aromatic, Floral, Lillies Developing scents of Granny Smith apples, orchard flowers and flint with time in the glass. Palate – Apricots, Concentrated, Textured Cool, broad, almost juicy yellow fruit – a more fluid style to the delivery of flavour here. Finish – Light Spice, Persistent, Saline Fine finishing waves of flavour – what a delicious wine and certainly a small step up again from the Chatillons! Bought in must, again with 50% barrel elevage with a majority of 600-litre barrels. Not a large nose but an attractively perfumed one. Clean, incisive flavour – that’s so good! The barrel very modestly in the background. Fine finishing waves of flavour – what a delicious wine and certainly a small step up again from the Chatillons! Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report, January 2024. Beauroy has the sun – this has the cold’. More floral, another level of aromatic attractiveness. Cool, broad, almost juicy yellow fruit – I really enjoy the slightly more fluid style to the delivery of flavour here. There’s a fine burst of finishing salinity too – just an ultra-delicious wine. – Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report, January 2024. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chablis Country – France Region – Chablis Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13%