2015 Domaine Raveneau Chablis Les Vaillons 1er Cru

Pale color. Enticing pineapple and grapefruit aromas and flavors show little in the way of exotic character. Unusually open for this wine at this early stage but fresh and consistent from start to finish, with dominant flavors of pineapple, lemon oil and crushed rock. Distinctly silky in texture in the style of the better 2015s, but finishes with firm citrussy lift. This will give more early pleasure than the Monts Mains.

The 2015 Chablis 1Er Cru Vaillons was difficult to pin down last year from barrel when it trailed behind the other premier crus. Of course, it was just playing a trick on this writer because it has blossomed into one fabulous Vaillons. It is blessed with a pretty, wet limestone-scented bouquet, very open and transparent with a touch of spice developing with aeration. The palate skips along, fresh and tensile with a keen thread of acidity. I love the tension here that enlivens this Chablis from start to finish and lends the finish real energy and persistence. What a great Vaillons this is turning out to be and a bit of a revelation after its showing from barrel. Aug 2017, www.robertparker.com

Pale color. Enticing pineapple and grapefruit aromas and flavors show little in the way of exotic character. Unusually open for this wine at this early stage but fresh and consistent from start to finish, with dominant flavors of pineapple, lemon oil and crushed rock. Distinctly silky in texture in the style of the better 2015s, but finishes with firm citrussy lift. This will give more early pleasure than the Monts Mains.