Domaine Laroche 2017 Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots

 "The 2017 Chablis Les Blanchots Grand Cru is airy in the glass, with a real feeling of translucent energy that distinguishes it in this range. White flowers, citrus, orchard fruit and light tropical accents all grace this understated, nuanced 1er Cru. This is such a pretty wine." Antonio Galloni 94 Points

"Laroche's 2017 Chablis Grand Cru Les Blanchots is showing well, unfurling in the glass with a pretty bouquet of almond paste, yellow orchard fruit, nectarine and mint. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, fleshy and layered, with good concentration and tension at the core, and a saline, delicately wood-inflected finish.

This was an enjoyable tasting with the dynamic Grégory Viennois, who today, as technical director, presides over Laroche's fully 90 hectares. As I wrote last year, Viennois is a Chapoutier and Derenoncourt alumnus, and he is working toward more sustainable farming and moderated yields in the vineyards, as well as long pressing in the cuverie in pursuit of structuring dry extract. Recently used oak is more subtly employed, and Laroche's early-2000s transition to screwcap closures has been abandoned. The 2017 vintage was showing well, largely realizing the promise it showed during élevage, and a first look at the 2018 vintage revealed more than a few promising cuvées, Viennois's work at the press evident in chalky back-end structure, which will be interesting to follow throughout élevage." Robert Parker 93 Points