Domaine Raveneau is arguably the greatest estate in Chablis. The Domaine produces limited quantities of wines from the village’s top vineyards. The Domaine’s holdings include 3 Grand Cru vineyards: Blanchot, Les Clos, and Valmur; and a selection of Premier Crus: Montée de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Mont-Mains, and Forêt.
The Domaine’s creation dates back to 1948 when François Raveneau consolidated his holdings with his wife’s parcels. François Raveneau built the reputation of this estate thanks to his inimitable style and incredible consistency in quality. His son, Jean-Marie Raveneau began working at the domain in 1978, officially taking the reins from François in 1988. Jean-Marie’s older brother, Bernard, only returned to work for the family Domaine in 1995. Today, they have a loosely split work between them, with Jean-Marie in the vineyards and Bernard in the cellar —a division that will seemingly be continued by Jean-Marie’s son Maxime and Bernard’s daughter Isabelle.
The Raveneau Chablis comes from the reverse side of the Montmains and the valley opposite Forêts. Pale yellow colour. The nose is quite discreet and less perfumed than the Petit Chablis. Give it time and, some nervosity emerges. Classic Chablis, a little more flesh on the bones than, some years, but recognisably the same animal. White fruit, and exceptional length, with a touch of spice at the back
A discreet application of wood sets off ripe orchard fruit suffused with oyster shells, lemon zest, and cool iodine wisps. There is again fine density to the intense and stony medium-weight flavours that deliver impressive persistence for a straight Chablis. This too is relatively powerful and robust and a wine that will need at least some patience, but it also is a wine to strongly consider.