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2016 Francois Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos #230486188
Reviews 95 points Wine Advocate "The 2016 Chablis Grand Cru Clos is the most reserved wine in the cellar, slowly unfurling with notes of lemon oil, spring flowers and wet stones, without ever revealing the full expression of fruit that will come with some time in bottle. On the palate, it's full-bodied, deep and powerful, with the most concentration, texture and extract of any wine in the cellar, structured around a succulent but soft line of acidity, the finish lent lift by subtle but mouthwatering grip. This will age on its concentration more than its acids, but it should develop very well in bottle. (WK)" 97 points John Gilman "As so often seems to be the case chez Raveneau, the 2016 Clos is the most reserved and promising wine in the cellars this year. This too is absolutely classic in personality, offering up a youthfully complex bouquet of pear, lemon, flinty, chalky minerality, just a hint of anise and a potpourri of floral tones in the upper register. On the palate the wine is pure, full-bodied and shows off stunning mid-palate depth, with laser-like focus, great grip and a very long, precise and energetic 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.