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ProducerDomaine François Raveneau
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Vintage2014
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Grape VarietyChardonnay
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RegionBurgundy
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Sub RegionChablis
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SizeBottle
Not only does the Raveneau family own many of the finest sites in the appellation, but their wines have a steely magnificence that captures the essence of Chablis’ distinctive terroir. The greatness of Raveneau’s Chablis has even led some to suggest they deserve an appellation of their own.
Raveneau wines are famous for their longevity. In fact, many believe that a top Raveneau Chablis doesn’t hit its stride until it’s at least 8 to 10 years old. At this time, the wines not only acquire even greater richness, but layer upon layer of previously hidden flavors are revealed.
Along with René and Vincent Dauvissat, Raveneau pioneered the use of Côte d’Or winemaking in Chablis, including barrel fermentation and extended lees contact.
96 Points Allen Meadows
Here too the nose is strikingly layered with notes of oyster shell, mineral reduction and perfumed floral scents. The concentrated, serious and powerful yet refined flavors ooze a fine minerality on the mouth coating and hugely long yet wonderfully chiseled finish. Interestingly this is slightly more complex than the Valmur though not necessarily more persistent. This should be first-rate if allowed 10 to 15 years of cellar time. Wow!
97 Points Robert Parker Wine Advocate
he 2014 Chablis Grand Cru les Clos has a much more expressive bouquet than the 2015, with beautiful orange blossom and smoky scents decorating the nose. The palate is very well balanced and so saline in the mouth that you almost want to reach for your bucket and spade. This Les Clos is so seductive and so harmonious, seeming to bloom and deliver fabulous intensity on the finish. Whereas Valmur is the pick in 2015, the Les Clos might be the pick in 2014, thanks to its sense of completeness. But as I mentioned in my remarks from barrel last year, patience will be paramount for those seeking to witness this Chablis at its peak.