I tasted the 2011 Chablis Les Blanchots Reserve de l’Obedience from a combination of lots that represents an approximation of the final blend. Layers of expressive tropical fruit, spices and French oak are woven together beautifully in this voluminous, opulent offering. This is yet another intriguing 2011 from Laroche. The 2011 is aging in approximately 85% oak and 15% steel. Anticipated maturity: 2014+. (Not yet released) Domaine Laroche is back in the US market after an absence of several years. The house style is marked by a search for considerable textural richness, which makes these some of the deeper, more opulent wines made in Chablis. Over the last few years, Domaine Laroche has begun to focus on organic viticulture and increased the use of indigenous yeasts, both of which are rare in Chablis. All of the Domaine Laroche wines are bottled under screwcap, also rare in Chablis, especially at this level. Winemaker Gregory Viennois told me the 2011 harvest started on September 12, towards the later side for the village. Viennois noted that potential alcohols and acidities were quite similar for both 2010 and 2011, which is unusual among the top domaines in Chablis. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661