2019 Francois Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons #170454232
Vinous
Reviews 93 points Wine Advocate "The 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons delivers aromas of green apple, peach, white flowers and freshly baked bread, followed by a medium to full-bodied, taut and concentrated palate that's racy and chiseled, concluding with a long, electric finish. (WK)" 93 points Vinous "The 2019 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has one of the most outgoing aromatics among Raveneau?s Premier Crus, featuring wonderful, exuberant yellow plum, tangerine and quince aromas, all zesty and feisty. The palate is well balanced with good weight and a slightly waxy texture. Phenolic concentration flourishes toward the finish and lends real persistence. There?s an almost Chenin-like element on the aftertaste. Excellent. (NM)"
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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.