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.
96-98 Points William Kelley (Wine Advocate)
The 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur, derived from a steep, south-facing site, is showing superbly and is one of the wines of the vintage. With more mid-palate amplitude than any other wine in the range, it soars from the glass with a bouquet of extraordinary complexity, featuring notes of iodine, acacia, grapefruit zest and oyster shell. Isabelle Raveneau explains that the parcel is like a small natural amphitheater, and work is mostly done in the mornings since it’s too hot to work there during the day. On the palate, the wine is deep, full-bodied and multifaceted, with incredible concentration, tangy acidity and striking intensity, finishing with a long, saline aftertaste. Both more tensile and slightly more linear than the dramatic Clos that followed it, this is a brilliant Valmur.
95 Points Neal Martin (Vinous)
The 2023 Chablis Valmur Grand Cru has an enticing bouquet with white tea and chamomile infusing its citrus fruit. This has superb mineralité that becomes more evident with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. It’s elegant and tender in style yet still powerful as it fans out on the finish. The tongue tingles on the aftertaste. Fantastique.