1986 Domaine Laroche Chablis Les Fourchaumes

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.

Fourchaume is a Premier Cru vineyard located just to the north of Chablis’ Grand Crus. The 84-acre hillside parcel is considered one of the best of the Chablis Premier Crus, and some people feel it should be elevated to Grand Cru. Within Fourchaume there are several important climats, or sub-parcels, including Vaupulent, Cote de Fontenay, L’Homme Mort and Vaulorent. The Fourchaume soil is primarily a composition 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.