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The October 2023 Auction: Part 2
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1 / 2Lot 565
Estimate: $1,300
This auction has ended. Bidding is closed.
Collection name
Reviews
92WA
"The Raveneausâ 2011 Chablis Vaillons offers an infectiously juicy, invigoratingly bright, and exhilaratingly buoyant performance centered on grapefruit and Meyer lemon, with suffusion of chalk and salt as well as pungent and piquant impingements of citrus rind and green herbs heightening the stimulating effect of its sustained finish. As it opens in the glass this reveals a subtle and alluringly floral dimension. Look for mid-palate textural richness as well as yet more-nuanced complexity to emerge over the next 8-10 years, though in fairness to the other Raveneau 2011 crus it must be pointed out that this wine from 20-year-old vines may simply be further along in its evolution â despite having been recently bottled â than its immediate stable mates. There is something disconcerting about stepping from their old cellar into the vaulted, spare stone and concrete expanse that now houses most of Bernard and Isabelle Raveneauâs barrels, but I have no doubt that the spaciousness of this new arrangement will have its subtle, positive influence on quality at what many would peg as the foremost estate in Chablis. And while I try to refrain from mentioning coopers by name (and in all but rare instances â with French tonneliers, anyway â succeed), I would simply point out that a comparison of the older and more recent barrels at this estate encourages me in the belief that changes taking place in that department, too, will only enhance quality. Bernard Raveneau describes 2012 as affording âlovely acidity and equilibrium,â and I do not doubt that its fruits at this address will uphold a reputation for improving in bottle and avoiding the premature oxidation that confounds wine loversâ hopes for even some renowned and youthfully impressive Chablis."
Region
White
Country
Score
"The Raveneausâ 2011 Chablis Vaillons offers an infectiously juicy, invigoratingly bright, and exhilaratingly buoyant performance centered on grapefruit and Meyer lemon, with suffusion of chalk and salt as well as pungent and piquant impingements of citrus rind and green herbs heightening the stimulating effect of its sustained finish. As it opens in the glass this reveals a subtle and alluringly floral dimension. Look for mid-palate textural richness as well as yet more-nuanced complexity to emerge over the next 8-10 years, though in fairness to the other Raveneau 2011 crus it must be pointed out that this wine from 20-year-old vines may simply be further along in its evolution â despite having been recently bottled â than its immediate stable mates. There is something disconcerting about stepping from their old cellar into the vaulted, spare stone and concrete expanse that now houses most of Bernard and Isabelle Raveneauâs barrels, but I have no doubt that the spaciousness of this new arrangement will have its subtle, positive influence on quality at what many would peg as the foremost estate in Chablis. And while I try to refrain from mentioning coopers by name (and in all but rare instances â with French tonneliers, anyway â succeed), I would simply point out that a comparison of the older and more recent barrels at this estate encourages me in the belief that changes taking place in that department, too, will only enhance quality. Bernard Raveneau describes 2012 as affording âlovely acidity and equilibrium,â and I do not doubt that its fruits at this address will uphold a reputation for improving in bottle and avoiding the premature oxidation that confounds wine loversâ hopes for even some renowned and youthfully impressive Chablis."
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The world's most influential fine-wine producer and the benchmark for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhone. Its appellation (AOC) system codifies geography, grape and method, and its wines set the global standard for age-worthiness and terroir expression.
Produces the world's most revered Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from a mosaic of tiny, terroir-defined climats. Its hierarchy of village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards makes site the ultimate expression of quality.
Produces steely, mineral Chardonnay from Kimmeridgian limestone in Burgundy's cool north, prized for precision, purity and saline drive.
The world's most versatile white grape, producing everything from steely Chablis to rich, oaked whites. Its neutrality makes it a mirror of terroir and winemaking, and the foundation of white Burgundy and Champagne.