Chablis ‘St Martin’ Domaine Laroche (37.5cl) 2018

After two disastrous vintages due to frost, 2018 was one of the best vintages for Chablis in the last 20 years. An unusually warm, dry summer encouraged optimal ripeness, low disease threat and plentiful yields. Pale gold in colourthe aromas of intense ripe white fruit and white blossom are followed by classic steely minerality on the palate with a lingering finish.

My recipe recommendation is a sea bream in a creamy sauce, with Chaorce the cheese of choice.

Domaine Laroche epitomises Chablis, with impeccable quality thanks to 63 hectares of Chablis vineyard on the famous Kimmeridgian soil that gives the wines such precision. Each plot, of which there are 30 in total, has a different exposure, soil depth and vine age which contributes complexity to the wine and means that every parcel ripens at a different time. Following malolactic conversion, the majority of the wine was aged for eight months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks with a small amount (8%) in large oak foudres, which adds softness and approachability.