A very classy wine, structured and complex. Its lovely nose, redolent of summer meadows with a touch of cream, leads to a powerful mouthful of buttery fruit, backed by steely and impressive structure which will enable it to mature magnificently for up to 15 years
Les Vaillons is one of the most reputed Premier Crus, and the best on the left bank. There are just 15 hectares in total and Domaine Laroche own nearly half . The Kimmeridgian slopes face south and south-east and the vines are on average 25 years old. Old vines increase the natural character and richness of the grapes, adding to the complexity of the final wine. Refined complexity in the glass: the nose is full and creamy, with hints of wild mushroom. It has lovely full fruit and is round in the mouth, with a firm mineral backbone and superb balance (6 x 75 cl)
There are just 30 hectares of Les Vaudevey, one of 17 Premier Cru vineyards in Chablis covering 750 hectares in total. Michel Laroche owns just over 10 hectares of this, the steepest and stoniest of the Premiers Crus. 100% Chardonnay, fermented predominantly in stainless steel vats, with 10 to 20% matured in French oak barrels to add weight and complexity. Les Vaudevey can be outstanding in good vintages, the most mineral and classic of the Premier Crus (6 x 75 cl)
This tiny Premier Cru is just 6 hectares and Domaine Laroche owns nearly half . Once one of the best known, it has been eclipsed by more famous names, but there is no doubting the quality of its south-facing vineyards. It has the same mineral backbone as its neighbour Vaudevey, but is a little softer and rounder. Typically aromatic, the bouquet is one of melons, hazelnuts and smoke. In the mouth there is round ripe fruit, with notes of candied pineapple and a full flinty finish (6 x 75 cl)
A large Premier Cru of 37 hectares, of which Domaine Laroche owns 1.5 hectares. Along with Vaillons, this is considered the best of the left bank Crus. The vines face south and south-east and are a mixture of clones and "selection massale" from the best of the Domaine's ancient vines. Perhaps the most complete of the Premier Crus, Les Montmains shows all the elements of classic Chablis (6 x 75 cl)