Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis
Pierrick Laroche, the proud owner of Domaine des Hâtes, continues the legacy of his family's estate located in the picturesque village of Maligny, in the north-west sector of Chablis. Established by his father in the 1970s, Pierrick's family vineyard holdings have gradually expanded over time, resulting in the current size of around 33 hectares. After obtaining a degree in oenology from Beaune, Pierrick embarked on a journey to gain valuable experience by traveling the world and undertaking various internships. Armed with knowledge and a deep passion for winemaking, he returned home to take over the family vineyards and start producing his own wines. Pierrick's cellars, ingeniously built into the side of a hill in the village, allow for much of the winemaking process to be conducted by gravity ensuring gentle handling of the grapes. The vinification takes place traditionally in stainless steel tanks, while some of the Premier and Grand Cru wines undergo a small portion of aging in used barrels, allowing for a full malolactic fermentation. One of his oldest vineyard plots, Les Châtillons, planted in the early 1970s, sits just behind the hill of the Grand Crus and showcases the meticulous use of barrel aging, which adds complexity and depth to the cuvée. In 2016, Pierrick expanded his range by starting a small négoce operation, sourcing must from friends who predominantly farm on the left side of the river. This addition includes premier crus such as Beauroy, Beauregard and Vau de Vey, as well as the grand cru of Bougros. In 2019, Pierrick inherited 8 acres of vines from his father-in-law in the southern sector of Chablis, around the village of Courgis. This inheritance includes Petit Chablis, 5.5 acres of Chablis and just over half an acre of the premier cru Les Butteaux. Pierrick Laroche's dedication to his craft is evident in every bottle of wine he produces. With a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, his wines showcase the unique terroir of Chablis, captivating enthusiasts with their finesse, complexity and distinct character. As Pierrick continues to nurture and expand his vineyards, he upholds the family legacy while leaving his own mark on the world of Chablis winemaking. The name of Pierrick's Domaine, "hâtes" refers to an old agricultural unit of measure, similar to the English rod. It evokes the long and slender fields used for sowing, where the longer rows made plowing easier with fewer turns. The term "hâtes" was often used to describe such fields. The 2021 Domaine des Hâtes Pierrick Laroche Chablis is a promising and faithful expression of the unique terroir of Chablis. Crafted from vineyards averaging 25 years old in proximity to Chablis village, this wine benefits from Pierrick Laroche's meticulous vineyard and cellar work. On the nose, aromas of lemon zest, green apple and honeysuckle are found, reflecting the influence of the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. The palate is treated to vibrant acidity and flavors of citrus, stone fruits and a subtle mineral note, showing the hallmark terroir-driven character of Chablis. While youthful and delicious now, this Chablis also possesses the structure and acidity to evolve and gain more complexity over 5-10 years.
Giant Steps Tarraford Vineyard Chardonnay
Light to medium-bodied, tight-knit with white peach, grapefruit, herb and mealy characters,well-balanced acid and a long fresh finish.
Cubaney Plata Natural Blanco 3 year
A traditional white rum used as a cocktail mixer. Aged in American Oak barrels, hints of vanilla and white chocolate.
Wittmann Estate Riesling
The Wittmanns and their ancestors have been wine-growers in southern Rheinhessen since 1663. Since 1990, the family has cultivated the vineyards according to controlled ecological guidelines, and since 2004, bio-dynamically. This Riesling has a fine aroma of yellow fruits and apple, clear, elegant structure and juicy freshness. Dry with a juicy acidity which harmonises with the typical earthy mineral tones; great finish.
Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis
Christophe Patrice, a winemaker from the village of Beine in Chablis, has a deep connection to the land and winemaking. In 1996, he joined his family's business but later established his own vineyard in 2006. In 2011, he acquired the prestigious Daniel Roblot estate, expanding his domaine to 22 hectares. The vineyards span across Beine, Courgis, and Chablis, showcasing the region's diversity. Sustainability and respect for the land are paramount to Christophe, who follows a lutte raisonnée approach to vineyard management. With low planting density, the vines have space to thrive. Stainless steel tanks are used to vinify the wines, preserving the pure essence of the Chardonnay fruit. From Petit Chablis to Chablis Premier Cru Beauregard, Christophe's portfolio reflects his dedication to excellence. Christophe Patrice's winemaking approach is marked by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the unique qualities of Chablis terroir. Sustainability is a central focus, with vineyards in Beine, Courgis, and Chablis managed carefully to preserve the land for future generations. The winemaking process emphasizes harmony between nature and craftsmanship, with grapes pressed and fermented exclusively in stainless steel tanks to allow the true character of Chardonnay grapes to shine without oak influence. Malolactic conversion and lees aging add complexity and texture to the Chablis wines, while the VdF Chardonnay follows a different path, showcasing vibrant fruit character without malolactic conversion or lees aging. All wines are vegan-friendly, crafted with ethical and environmentally conscious practices. Chablis is a highly acclaimed white wine hailing from the northernmost part of Burgundy, France. Its reputation lies in its distinctive character and ability to showcase the specific qualities of its terroir. Unlike many other Chardonnay wines, Chablis is typically not aged in oak barrels, resulting in a refreshing and mineral-driven flavour profile. The cool climate and limestone-rich soil of the region contribute to its unique taste, featuring hints of citrus, green apple, and a flinty mineral essence. Chablis wines are categorized into various appellations, such as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, signifying the finest vineyard locations. The sheer purity and refinement of Chablis have made it a sought-after choice among wine enthusiasts worldwide. The Domaine Christophe Patrice Chablis 2022 enchants with its radiant golden hue, captivating the senses from the first glance. Delicate and alluring, the nose reveals an intense bouquet of white flowers and vibrant citrus fruit, harmoniously intertwined with a mineral symphony of flint and gunflint. On the palate, this white wine unfurls with a lively and mineral-driven character, showcasing the essence of lime zest, crisp green apple and the subtle touch of stones. Meticulous winemaking techniques have resulted in a wine of remarkable richness and complexity, unveiling intriguing aromatic nuances reminiscent of fresh croissant and baked apple. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes, this Chablis embraces its pure expression, free from the influence of oak, allowing the bright and mineralic qualities of the variety to shine through. It stands as a testament to the exceptional quality of Chardonnay and serves as a true reflection of the esteemed Chablis region, an embodiment of the winemaker's skill and dedication, Christophe Patrice.
Patriarche Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaume
A stylish Premier Cru Chablis on offer here, brilliant medium gold colour, intense nose where the Chardonnay grape reflects the warmth of the Western-facing Fourchaume vineyard. Nuanced by notes of citrus, stonefruit and white flowers, with line bringing a lot of freshness. Vivid on the palate with softness and a enduring finish. Founded in 1780, the Patriarche Wine House has over the years acquired a know-how that today guarantees the high quality of the wines bearing its name, vinified in the purest Burgundian tradition and aged in its cellars, located in the very heart of Beaune.
Savaterre Frere Cadet Chardonnay
Occasionally, when rare parcels of particularly outstanding Beechworth grapes become available, Savaterre's wine maker Keppell Smith likes to create something unique, like this Chardonnay, and bottle it under Savaterre's Frere Cadet (Younger Brother) label. These wines are created with the same attention to detail that goes into their premium Savaterre label.
Levantine Hill Melange Traditionnel Blanc
Drawing its inspiration from the Bordelaise tradition of blending multiple compatible grape varieties; This Levantine Hill Melange Traditionnel Blanc is a complex, aromatic wine that is crafted for its ageing ability. It displays subtle fruit characters of blood orange, musk, ginger, apricot and gooseberry on the nose with well-integrated savoury oak and acidity on the palate. It has a textural silky finish. A perfect foil for Munster or similar washed-rind cheese.
Howard Vineyard AMOS Cabernet Sauvignon
Its not every day that youll come across a wine of this stature, flavour and quality. Howard Vineyard AMOS Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 uses only the very best fruit. Our location as one of the most South Easterly vineyards gives us a hot to cool climate site perfect for powerful yet delicate reds. Howards Nairne Vineyard is transitioning to a completely red site as a result of our unique microclimate.
Te Mata Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc
A lovely and unusual Sauvignon Blanc from Hawkes Bay. It is barrel-fermented with a touch of Semillon and Sauvignon Gris. This wine has aromas of citrus blossom, pear and stone fruit and will evolve in the bottle for five years from harvest.