Domaine Roland Lavantureux
Chablis “Vauprin” 2023

⭐ Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy)
5 stars
90–93 points
Tasted: July 2024
Drinking window: 2027–2034

“And yet again the nose takes us to a different register. The colour has a fraction more depth too. Wonderful weight to this, fresh pears slightly more than apples, just a harmonious balance all the way through, and exceptional length. Arnaud is deliberately holding this back so it will explode even further later.”

Description

Chablis “Vauprin” 2023 is the flagship cuvée of Domaine Roland Lavantureux, vinified separately since 2009 by Arnaud Lavantureux. It comes from one of the most remarkable terroirs of the appellation: Vauprin lies in a high-altitude sector of the Chablisien, where pronounced day–night temperature swings confer aromatic intensity, freshness, and great precision to the wines.

The subsoil is pure Kimmeridgian, the defining geological signature of Chablis, responsible for the tension, salinity, and deeply mouthwatering character that define this cuvée, even in warmer years. Over time, Vauprin has established itself as a Chablis of true stature, surpassing the simple framework of the appellation in ambition and depth.

A wine that combines purity, concentration, and exceptional length, built to gain even greater dimension with time in bottle.

Region

Burgundy – Chablis

Vineyard

Climat: Vauprin
Total area: 2.45 ha
Vines planted: between the 1970s and the early 2000s
Pruning: Single Guyot
Location: high-altitude site within the Chablisien

Soils

Pure Kimmeridgian (clay-limestone)

Grape Variety

100% Chardonnay

Vinification and Aging

Alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control, prioritizing finesse and aromatic precision.

Total aging: 12 to 15 months

• 50% in stainless steel, to preserve freshness and fruit expression

• 50% in barrels (ranging from new to five wines), to add complexity and depth

The final blend results from a balance between tension, freshness, volume, and structure.
Bottled at the domaine.

Tasting Notes

On the nose, it immediately reveals its altitude and nobility: aromas of great purity and finesse, with fresh white fruit, pear more evident than apple, and remarkable harmony.
On the palate, the attack is direct and precise, followed by lemon zest notes, firm structure, and an unexpected concentration for the appellation. The finish is long, deeply saline and mouthwatering, inviting the next sip. A Chablis of exceptional length and significant aging potential.

Aging Potential

Best from around 3 years after harvest
At its peak between 2027 and 2034

Pairings

Perfect with seafood, oysters, raw or lightly cooked fish, Japanese-inspired dishes, or minimalist cuisine where the wine’s salinity and precision can truly shine.