2014 Francois Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru Valmur #171611058
Reviews 95 points Burghound "This is even more infused with classic Chablis elements with its abundance of oyster shell and tidal pool nuances that add breadth to the notable cool and restrained citrus peel and green fruit aromas. The rich, powerful, concentrated and mouth coating broad-shouldered flavors possess real drive but also beautiful detail on the pungently mineral-driven finish that possesses outstanding length and almost painful intensity. This is stunningly good and while I don't think that it will quite match the unbelievable quality of the 2008, it may not miss by much. (AM)" 96 points John Gilman "The 2014 Valmur from the Raveneau family is much more reserved out of the blocks than the Blanchot, but also a bit deeper at the core and very soil-driven in personality this year. The classic nose wafts from the glass in a blend of apple, pear, very complex limestone soil tones, beeswax, dried flowers and lemon oil in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with classic transparency down to its minerality, bright acids and great focus and grip on the very, very long, youthful and racy finish. (JG)"
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About Francois Raveneau
Domaine François Raveneau sits at the pinnacle of Chablis production, producing a mere 3,000 cases per year yet presenting a distinguished portfolio of terroirs. This includes five premier cru and three grand cru vineyards that yield wines of exceptional quality and age-ability. These collectible wines are emblematic of Chablis' distinctive Kimmeridgian limestone soils, brought to life by François Raveneau’s sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie, along with Bernard's daughter, Isabelle.
The Raveneau family approaches winemaking with a blend of tradition and meticulous craftsmanship. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they maintain a labor-intensive, manual harvest. Their vinification process features gentle pressing and fermentation in tanks, allowing the lees to settle before isolating the finest for barrel aging in neutral oak and feuillettes for 18 months. The result is an array of Chardonnays celebrated for their aromatic intensity and mineral expression.
Spanning nearly eight hectares, the Raveneau's vineyard holdings are predominantly composed of grand cru and premier cru designations. This includes the distinguished grand cru parcels of Blanchot, Les Clos, and Valmur and the notable premier crus such as Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, and Butteaux. These vineyards, bathed in southwest-facing sun, thrive in the clay-rich and chalky limestone soils of the Kimmeridgian chain.
The family's continued commitment to traditional viticulture—natural vineyard management, severe winter pruning, and hand-harvesting—along with François Raveneau’s pioneering use of Côte d’Or winemaking methods, like barrel fermentation and extended lees contact, contribute to the wines' longevity and distinctiveness. From their premier crus that rival the grand crus to their impressive grand crus, Domaine François Raveneau masterfully captures the profound essence of Chablis, creating wines that unveil layer upon layer of complexity as they mature.