Domaine Francois Raveneau Chablis Premier Cru "Montée de Tonnerre" 2022
(Burgundy, France) - [DM 95] [VM 94] [JM 93-96]

About the Winery:

The most sublime and the most celebrated estate of Chablis, the wines of Domaine Raveneau are a rare find—exceptional because the vineyard holdings are almost entirely made of grand cru and premier cru fruit, painfully finite as so few are produced, outstanding because of their tremendous quality and consistency, and unusual given the modesty of the vignerons who create these world-class wines.

The domaine was created in 1948, when François Raveneau consolidated his holdings with his wife’s family’s vineyard parcels. Today, François’ sons, Bernard and Jean-Marie, direct the domaine, yet stay true to their father’s philosophy in both the vineyards and the cellar. From vine to glass, the Raveneaus continue to do things the old-fashioned way. Although François passed away in 2000, Bernard’s daughter, Isabelle, joins them today, assuring fans that Domaine Raveneau will continue into the next generation.

VITICULTURE / VINIFICATION

• Harvested by hand
• Grapes pressed gently by pneumatic press
• Only indigenous yeasts are used
• Juice is left to settle, and then racked off its lees into cuve to ferment
• Alcoholic fermentation takes two weeks, followed by a malolactic fermentation in barrel
• Wines are aged for 18 months in older oak barrel and feuillette (most of which comes from barrel-maker Chassin), of which a very small percentage is new

Technical Data:

Vine Age: 50 years average
Soil: Kimmeridgian Limestone
Vineyard Area: 2.51 ha

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points – Decanter Magazine:
“A benchmark Montée de Tonnerre. The domaine has 3.1ha in total, made up of a blend of 10 different plots within Chapelot and Pied d'Aloup, vines aged from 10-60 years. Distinct notes of crisp green apple, cool on the nose and palate with great freshness. Impressive stony, mineral characters support the concentration. A profound rendition in which elegance meets power. For long-term ageing. (Drink between 2025-2032).” – Andy Howard (Oct 2023)

94 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2022 Chablis Montée de Tonnerre 1er Cru has a very minerally bouquet, crushed limestone, sea cave and fleeting glimpses of citrus fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, very citrus lemon. A little sourness towards the finish lends energy and tension. Superb. (Drink between 2028-2050).” – Neal Martin (Aug 2024)

93-96 Points - Jasper Morris Burghound:
" A much more elegant nose freely offers up its combination of airy white flowers, wet stone, spice, citrus, oyster shell and subtle quinine wisps. As is usually the case, the mouthfeel of the vibrant middleweight flavors is positively sublime and this sophisticated texture carries over to the almost painful intense, mineral-driven and even longer finish. This is a stunner of MdT and a wine that should also repay extended keeping. If you can find it, buy it.” – Allen Meadows (Aug 2023)