Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2017
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. 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. 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. 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.
The Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2017 is a wine that showcases the exceptional quality of the Beauroy Premier Cru vineyard in Chablis. Crafted by Pierrick Laroche, this wine reflects his dedication to producing top-notch Chablis. On the palate, the wine is well-structured and balanced with flavors that include citrus, orchard fruits and a subtle minerality. The Maison des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy 2017 exhibits typical characteristics of Chablis Premier Cru, such as a harmonious balance of fruit, acidity and minerality. This Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy has the potential to age gracefully, allowing its flavors to evolve and develop further complexity over time. It is recommended to cellar this wine for several years to fully experience its true potential.
Aromas of honeycomb, ripe citrus oil and oatmeal introduce the 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy (Maison), a medium to full-bodied, satiny-textured wine with a fleshy core of sun-kissed fruit, bright acids and a saline, expansive finish. It will need a year or two in bottle to come together, but it shows promise. Drink 2020-2030. - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, August 2019
The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal - Chablis
Country - France
Region - Chablis
Vintage - 2017
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13%