Domaine Francois Raveneau Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru 2023

Domaine Franois Raveneau is a noted producer based in the Burgundy subregion of Chablis, where the small plots of Chardonnay produce some of the appellation’s most sought-after wines.

The domaine was founded in 1948, when Franois Raveneau and his wife combined their families’ vineyard holdings. He was the first of his family to bottle wines made from the grapes from his vineyards prior to this the grapes had been sold off to other producers.

Today the domaine has eight hectares (20 acres) of land spread across three grand cru and six premier cru sites in Chablis. It is run by Franois’ sons: Bernard and Jean-Marie.

Domaine Franois Raveneau has small plots in grand cru sites Blanchot, Les Clos and Valmur and premier cru sites Monte de Tonnerre, Les Vaillons, Butteaux, Chapelot, Montmains, and Fort. Most of these sites are planted on southwest-facing valley slopes, which allow for maximum sun exposure and ripening.

Critical Acclaim

94Wine Advocate

One of the most flamboyant wines in the range, Raveneaus 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, its 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, Raveneaus 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.

90 Vinous

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 cuves on the finish. It will be earlier drinking.