Domaine Laroche Chablis Saint Martin 2023
(Burgundy, France) - [DM 92] [WE 91]

About the Domaine:

Domaine Laroche is directly linked to the history of Chablis. One of the most respected and largest landholders of Grand Cru vineyard, Domaine Laroche owns 90 hectares of vineyard situated amongst the best crus.

Its headquarters, the Obédiencerie of Chablis, reveals a heritage dating back from the Middle Ages when the Canons of Saint Martin of Tours were making wine. Saint Martin’s relics were hidden in the Obédiencerie for a decade. This exceptional testimony is very much alive: Domaine Laroche still elaborates and ages its Premiers and Grands Crus in these historical cellars. Its wines are a testimony of 1000 years of history!

The Laroche philosophy is based on a very special care of the terroirs in order for each of them to express its own particular characteristics in the glass. The importance of the ecological balance is crucial to maintain the vineyard heritage and to favour its durability. The respect of the soil, of the vine workers and of the environment are Laroche major commitments.

The 9th century monastery, L’Obédiencerie is where monks made the first Chablis, in the town of Chablis itself. The main offices and cellars of Domaine Laroche are located in this ancient stone monastery which is known as the birthplace of Chablis. La Réserve de l’Obédience is blended from the best wines of Les Blanchots grand cru, selected for their balance and harmony. Seventy different components kept in tanks, casks or large old wooden vats may be considered for the final blend.

VINTAGE NOTES

A generous, high-quality 2023 vintage! The team protected vines through winter and spring against climate challenges Late August heat accelerated ripening, requiring careful plot-by-plot harvest timing between September 7-21st to maintain Chablis’ characteristic freshness and minerality. The initial juices showed rich, balanced profiles. After optimal fermentation and months of lees aging, the vintage shows potential comparable to 2020, with yields returning to satisfactory historical levels.

WINEMAKING

Hand harvesting and sorting at the winery. Gentle pressing at low-pressure to extract press core only. Fermentation in oak casks and stainless steel tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation. Aging on fine lees in the same casks and tanks for 12 months.

TASTING NOTES

This solar wine showcases rich aromas of white stone fruits and typical notes of star anise and spices. The finish is subtle and gently saline tinged with a tension that goes hand in hand with the length.

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"A dizzying array of aromas range from green apple and peach to soft white blossoms and spice. The texture is dense, but surprisingly good acidity for the vintage deftly balances the richness and carries the wine to a solid finish. Grapes from the best village-level sites throughout the appellation are fermented in stainless steel tanks and large casks (15%), then the wine aged for six months on its fine lees to give a bit more depth. Will drink well on release and represents fantastic value in Chablis." - Charles Curtis MW (Sep 2024)

91 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Reserved aromas of yellow apple, forestfloor, and pear blossom open on the nose. Steely in texture, the palate is well served by chalk-dusted acidity that brightens the finish with an added twist of lemon peel. Pair with langoustines, mussels, and goat cheese." - Ana Christina Cabrales (Dec 2025)

Jasper Morris' Inside Burgundy:
"15% aged in foudres, the rest in stainless steel. Pure and pale lemon, with a more natural Chablisian nose, classy white stone fruit through the middle, and a little marine touch behind. Drink from 2025-2028." (Jun 2024)