Pierrick Laroche, Domaine des Hates Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume L'Homme Mort 2021
The Wine
The domain farms 1.1 ha in this subsection of Fourchaume which is located towards the northern part of Fourchaume, a top Premier Cru vineyard noted for growing on similar contours as the Grand Crus above the right bank of the Serein. Pierrick's vines average 25 years with some up to 35 years old. Vinified with indigenous yeast with a very long slow alcoholic fermentation of 2-3 months. The wine is aged in stainless steel for 60% and in aged barrels for 40% with bottling in spring for a total elevage of 18 months giving a wine of excellent complexity and depth.
“A mix of tank and barrel – 60% tank. Protected by aspersion here. A broader, more open aromatic – slightly airy – greatly inviting! Extra width, cooler fruit, mineral and silk – I hardly see the 2/3rds wood elevage. Such a mobile, complex energetic but pure thing. Bravo – fine finishing intensity with a broad wave of finishing salinity. Top!” Burgundy-report.com, Bill Nanson, February 2023.
The Details
Variety - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Chablis
Extra - Cork
Year - 2021
Volume - 750ml
About the Wine Maker
Pierrick has a degree in oenology from Beaune and after graduating he travelled the world, doing various internships to gain experience before returning home to start making wine and take over the family vineyards for himself.
His cellars are built into the side of a hill in the village enabling much of the work to be done by gravity. Vinifications are done classically in stainless steel tanks with some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines aged in used barrels for a small portion of each cuvée where the wines undergo full malolactic.