Varietal

100 % Chardonnay.

Tasting notes

Pale gold colour, clear and brilliant with green highlights.

Nose of almond and lemon blossom with a hint of pineapple, a few woody notes appear after oxygenation.

The palate is lively, fresh and round, with pineapple flavours and a very saline, toasty finish.

Food and wine pairing

This wine goes perfectly with seafood (oysters, scallops, langoustines), grilled fish or fish in sauce, as well as white meats (roast poultry, veal chop with cream sauce) and soft cheeses with a bloomy rind (Camembert, Brie).

Serving suggestions

Ideally served chilled at 14°C.

Ageing potential

7 years and sometimes up to 15 years in good conditions.

Origin

Located on the right bank of the Serein, in the commune of Chablis, the ‘Vaulorent’ climat adjoins the Grand Cru Les Preuses. This Premier Cru ‘Fourchaume’ vineyard is often considered an ‘eighth Grand Cru’ because of its exceptional quality.

Its south-easterly aspect is ideal for optimum ripening of the grapes.

The soil is deep, clayey at the foot of the slopes and stonier at the top. Middle and Upper Kimmeridgian (alternating layers of limestone and marl rich in ‘Exogyra Virgula’ oyster fossils).

The name apparently refers to a man called Laurent, who once owned vines in this Chablis valley.

Vinification and maturing

Slow pressing in a pneumatic press to collect the juice, followed by static cold settling to remove the largest impurities. Alcoholic fermentation begins in stainless steel vats. After 3 days, 30% of the cuvée is racked into fine-grained barrels. The wine remaining in stainless steel tanks continues to ferment for a further 4 to 7 days under controlled temperatures (18-20°C) to retain as much fruit and freshness as possible. Malolactic fermentation is 100% to give the wine roundness before ageing for 14 months (40% new barrels) on fine lees to develop its complexity.

Vintage : 2023

The ideal weather conditions in Burgundy in 2023, characterised by a favourable spring, a hot summer with cool nights, moderate rainfall and an early autumn harvest, played a key role in the high yields and exceptional quality of the grapes at harvest time. The white wines are distinguished by their elegance, complexity and liveliness. Subtle aromas of white fruit, citrus and floral notes add to their remarkable freshness. The red wines are powerful and well-balanced, with aromas of red and black fruit, as well as spicy and mineral nuances. The silky tannins add an elegant structure, promising harmonious ageing. In short, these are expressive, fruity wines with very fine aromatic profiles.

Awards

Burgundy Report - Bill Nanson - Mention - March 2025