Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis Les Chatillons 2022

Product Information: Les Châtillons is located in the valley of Fontenay, to the southeast of Maligny and is the most calcareous of Pierrick’s eight Villages sites. Pierrick’s parcel was planted in early 1970’s and makes for an elegant, long, especially mineral wine and for that reason he bottles it separately. Roughly 15% is aged in wood (both barriques and demi-muids) and this is blended with the steel-aged remainder. 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 – Chalky Bouquet, Clementine, Tropical Notes Nose has a light, slightly chalky bouquet that opens nicely with aeration. Very controlled. Palate – Balanced, Reduction, Mango The palate is well balanced, with a touch of reduction on the entry and fine acidity. Finish – Crisp, Persistent Finish, Classic Minerality More direct again and clearly more mineral and incisive – the most classic of all so far. A hint of barrel – so wait another year or two before drinking but this is a properly great villages. The finish just so persistent The 2022 Chablis Village has a light, slightly chalky bouquet that opens nicely with aeration. Very controlled. The palate is well balanced, with a touch of reduction on the entry and fine acidity with hints of fresh mango and Clementine towards the finish. It errs towards the tropical side, but it retains crispness and typicity. – Neal Martin, Vinous. Not made in 2020 – a plateau (below the Premier Cru) that’s got a lot of limestone – above Homme Mort – 50-year-old vines – the oldest parcel of the domaine – a part (50%) 600-litre barrel elevage. Less impact and more airy aromas. More direct again and clearly more mineral and incisive – the most classic of all so far. A hint of barrel – so wait another year or two before drinking but this is a properly great villages. The finish just so persistent. – Bill Nanson, Burgundy Report, January 2024. The Finer Details Style – White Wine Varietal – Chardonnay Country – France Region – Chablis Vintage – 2022 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 13%