2023 Domaine François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons"

“One of the most flamboyant wines in the range, Raveneau’s 2023 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons is showing superbly. Issuing from 0.4 hectares defined by stony soils and a natural amphitheater that shields the vines from winds, it’s ample and textural, soaring from the glass to reveal a bouquet of grapefruit zest, pear and crisp stone fruit mingling with notes of beeswax and white flowers. Concentrated, layered and intense, it's supported by a bright spine of acidity and concludes with a chalky finish. As is routinely the case with Vaillons, it will richly reward patience. Domaine Raveneau is one of the greatest estates in Chablis. This small 10-hectare domaine is one among a handful of bastions of artisanal winemaking in a region that embraced industrial winemaking with open arms, and it remains a beacon for connoisseurs of classical white Burgundy all over the world. In the era of premature oxidation, Raveneau’s wines have also emerged as some of the most dependable prospects for extended cellaring. A generational transition has been quietly effected: Bernard Raveneau retired on January 1, 2020, and was replaced by his daughter Isabelle; and Jean-Marie Raveneau retired on May 1, 2021, and was replaced by his son Maxime. Neither plan to change a tried-and-tested formula, and both are intimately versed in the domaine's secrets, so the future is secure.(KK)” (03/2025)

“Silky, supple, and elegant, the 2023 Raveneau Vaillons has an expressive, approachable nose with fruit aromas that range from lime zest to passion fruit and aniseed. The wine is lively and crisp, but there is a softer side as well, suggestion that it should drink well young, but there is still the potential to age. The grapes are from 50-year-old vines from two parcels in Vaillons lieu-dit and one parcel in Séchet.(CC)” (05/2024)

“Spiced pears, pêche de la vigne, Key lime and pastry cream give this a luxuriously lush flavor profile. Gently textured with some love handles but good spine, this is a vinous treat that will age with aplomb.” (01/2025)

“The 2023 Chablis “Vaillons” from Domaine Raveneau is a very elegant example of the vintage. The bouquet offers up a very complex blend of lemon, pear, a complex foundation of chalky soil tones, paraffin, white lilies, lime zest, anise and a touch of vanillin oak. On the palate ht wine is deep, full-bodied and shows off a lovely core of ripe fruit, with excellent mineral undertow, excellent focus and grip, bright acids and a long, poised and impeccably balanced, zesty finish. Fine juice. 92+” (02/2025)

“Cool and layered and more elegant aromas include those of white pepper, acacia, quinine and essence of pear. There is both an appealing vibrancy and more refinement to the mineral-inflected medium-bodied flavors that aren't especially dense though they do offer fine length on the youthfully austere finale that is sufficiently structured to repay up to a decade of keeping.” (10/2025)

“The plumper style of the blue clay here is evident on the nose. The Raveneau holding is made up of younger vines than those of cousin Vincent Dauvissat. Like the Vaillons, the Forêt shows a fractional lack of tension in this sunny vintage. Will be ready relatively early.” (06/2025)

“The 2023 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has just a little reduction on the nose, opening with lemon thyme and crushed stone aromas. The palate is well balanced with a crisp line of acidity. This is charming and harmonious, although it doesn't quite kick on like other cuvées on the finish. It will be earlier drinking.(NM)” (07/2025)