2014 Domaine Laroche Chablis Les Vaillons Vieilles Vignes

Domaine Laroche dates from the mid-19th century. However its current prestige as one of Burgundy's premier producers of Chablis started in the late 1960s when Michel Laroche and his father Henri began adding vineyards to the family domain. The estate, based in Chablis, now includes nearly 250 acres. Grand Cru parcels include the Chablis vineyards of Blanchots, Bougros and Les Clos. The property includes a 9th-century monastery called Obediencerie, and some of the top cuvees are named for the building, which is used as the domain's business headquarters. There are Premier Cru parcels in Beauroy, Cote de Lechet, Fourchaume and elsewhere. There is also a Laroche negociant business.

Vaillons is a Premier Cru on the west bank of the Serein River, just west of the village of Chablis. It includes the climats Sur Les Vaillons, Chatains, Les Grands Chaumes, Les Chatains, Secher, Beaugnons, Les Lys, Roncieres, Les Epinottes and Les Minos. The soil is a mix of limestone, clay and fossilized oyster shells.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.