Château Laville, Sauternes
Vintage: 2022
| Vintage | Product Code | Format | Closure | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | LA304B22 | 6 x 75 | Natural Cork | Available |
| 2022 | LA304H22 | 12 x 37.5 | Natural Cork | Available |
Producer
Château Laville is owned by Jean-Christophe Barbe, a professor of oenology at the University of Bordeaux who specialises in noble rot. The estate's vineyards are planted on gravel soils with a bedrock of limestone, with the best plots used to make the Grand Vin. Several passes through the vineyard are required to ensure that only optimal botrytised berries are selected for fermentation.
Jean-Christophe and the team farm the vineyards following sustainable practices. These include using a herd of ‘landais’ sheep (an endangered local breed from the Landes Forest) that graze in the vineyards from November until March/April and provide natural fertiliser to enrich the soils. Their hooves also help aerate the soil, allowing for optimal absorption of oxygen and nutrients.
Château Laville is a blend of 90% Semillon and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, fermented in stainless-steel tanks and aged in new 400-litre oak barrels for 30 months. The final wine is defined by layers of complexity achieved through oak ageing while retaining freshness and a distinctive botrytis character. A frequent recipient of awards, including several golds and a DWWA Trophy, Château Laville is a fantastic example of classic, age-worthy Sauternes that is still decadent and delicious in its youth.
Vineyards
Chateau Laville has 14 hectares of vineyard in Sauternes on gravel soils underpinned with limestone. The best plots are used to make the Grand Vin of Laville. The vines are approximately 35 years old and the vineyards are farmed following sustainable practices. These include using a herd of ‘landais’ sheep (an endangered local breed from the Landes Forest) who graze in the vineyards from November until March/April and provide natural fertilizer to enrich the soils. Jean-Christophe and the team make several passes through the vineyard during harvest to handpick the botrytised berries.
Vintage
The 2022 vintage in Sauternes was characterised by dry and hot conditions. This led to some concerns around the development of noble rot. The grapes were ripe from the end of August. In mid-September the first pass was made in the vineyard. Very few grapes were ready. After some time waiting, rains arrived in late September and noble rot developed perfectly. About 90% of the harvest was completed in less than ten days in October. Despite the early season concerns, the 2022 vintage was excellent in Sauternes and produced wines with great aromatic complexity.
Vinification
The grapes were gently pressed using pneumatic and vertical hydraulic presses. Fermentation took place at controlled temperatures between 20 and 22°C, in stainless-steel tanks. The wine was then aged in new 400-litre oak casks for 30 months prior to bottling.
Tasting Notes & Technical Details
A bright golden yellow in colour. On the nose aromas of fresh citrus, candied fruit and marmalade leap out of the glass and are married with subtle hints of rye bread spice. The palate is intense and layered, with flavours of dried fig, orange blossom and sweet spice. A mouthwatering acidity perfectly balances the sweetness and carries the flavours onto the remarkably long finish.
Alcohol (ABV)
13%
Acidity
7.49 g/l
Residual Sugar
148 g/l
pH
3.95