2013 Domaine Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru "Valmur" 6-Pack

This is aromatically less elegant but more complex with its pretty array of spicy white and slightly exotic orchard fruit scents that display ample Chablis character. The intense middle weight plus flavors possess good volume as well as excellent richness on the opulent and mouth coating finish that somehow manages to retain a sense of refinement, indeed this could accurately be described as combining power with finesse. Note that while this will certainly be capable of reward mid-term cellaring it will also drink well early on if desired.

The 2013 Raveneau Valmur is really strong this year and is my favorite wine in the cellar in this vintage. The bouquet is pure and classic in profile, albeit a bit more forward than typical, as it wafts from the glass in a mix of tangerine, lemon zest, apple, a lovely base of chalky soil tones, incipient notes of citrus oils, a touch of paraffin and a topnote of dried flowers. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, long, and very soil-driven by the standards of the vintage, with a rock solid core, crisp acids and lovely length and grip on the beautifully focused finish. A fine, fine result. (JG) 93+