2017 Domaine Francois Raveneau Chablis Premier Cru Foret Burgundy White

2017 Domaine Francois Raveneau Chablis Premier Cru Foret

95 DEC

Featured Review

(Domaine François Raveneau, Chablis, 1er Cru Forêts, Burgundy, France, White) Fermented and aged in old barrels according to the classic Raveneau style, this is a bright, savoury, sea-salty Chablis showing undertones of fennel and citrus peel, and notable palate length. (Drink between 2020-2032) Decanter

Decanter | 95 DEC

(Chablis “Forêt”- Domaine Raveneau) The Forêt parcel of the Raveneaus was just a touch less frosted than the Montmains in 2017, and this seems to have been translated into a touch more reserve out of the blocks in the finished wine. The bouquet is pure and complex, offering up a mix of tart orange, apple, lemon, beeswax , spring flowers, a touch of beeswax, flinty soil tones and a whisper of vanillin oak. On the palate the wine is pure, full and nicely structured, with a fine core, excellent mineral drive and a long, vibrant and energetic finish. This is lovely, lovely wine in the making. (Drink between 2021-2050)

John Gilman | 92+ JG

(Domaine François Raveneau Chablis Forêt 1er Cru White) The 2017 Chablis Forêt 1er Cru is soft, open-knit and gracious. Almond, marzipan, dried lemon peel, sage, dried flowers and mint all grace this wonderfully expressive and inviting Chablis. The 2017 was only bottled about two months before this tasting, but it is one of the more accessible wines in the range, which means it will likely be one of the first of the 2017s to be fully expressive. Medium in body and absolutely impeccable in its balance, the 2017 has a lot to offer. (Drink between 2022-2037)

Antonio Galloni | 92 AG

(François Raveneau Chablis 1er Cru Fôret, White, France) Two plots at an average age of 30 years old. A very fresh, approachable and smooth style of peaches and apricots. Supple, fresh apricots, too. A soft and charming finish. Earlier drinking here.

James Suckling | 92 JS

The 2017 Chablis 1er Cru Forêt is showing very well, bursting with scents of orange rind, green apple, white peach and spring flowers. On the palate, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, with an elegantly textural attack, a pretty core of fruit and a long, precise finish. This is quite reminiscent of the 2010 rendition chez Raveneau, and it is well worth seeking out.

Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 92 RP

(Domaine François Raveneau Chablis "Forêts" 1er Cru White) An overtly floral nose consists mostly of spiced pear, citrus and algae-infused aromas that are trimmed in subtle wood influence. There is a lush, even opulent mouth feel to the seductively textured middle weight plus flavors that possess lovely minerality that adds a sense of lift to the impressively long finish that tightens up significantly. In contrast to the Montmains, this is more powerful but less precise and even a bit less complex, at least today. Note that at least some patience is advised. (Drink starting 2025)

Burghound | 91 BH

Type of Wine	Burgundy White : No one can express the full potential of Chardonnay quite like the visionaries from Burgundy. With an almost entirely single-minded devotion to the noble varietal in question, they continue to push the boundaries of quality, to the joy of their many fans worldwide. Discover the nuances of every producer and come out changed forever.
Varietal	Chadonnay
Country	France : Wine is the lifeblood that courses through the country of France, pulsing with vigorous pride and determination. Viticulture is not just a hobby or an occupation in France; it is a passion, a cherished tradition that has been passed down through generations of wine stained hands. Winemaking is a beloved art that has been ingrained in the culture, an aptitude instilled in sons by fathers and the hallmark for which France’s reputation was built, allowing it to be renowned as, arguably, the most important wine producing country in the world. For centuries, France has been producing wines of superior quality and in much greater quantity than any other country in the world. It boasts some of the most impressive wine regions, coveted vineyards and prestigious wines on earth. The regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Rhone, Sauternes and Champagne have become the benchmark, for which others aspire to become. Legendary producers such as Chateaux Margaux, Domaine De La Romanee Conti, Chapoutier, d’Yquem and Dom Perignon are idolized world-wide. France has stamped its name on nearly every style of wine, from the nectar-like sweet Sauternes to hedonistic Chateauneuf Du Papes classic Bordeaux and Burgundy, to its sparkling dominance in Champagne. Many of the most infamous grape varietals in the world, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay originated in France and are not only beloved, but utilized in the creation of some of the greatest wines on earth. French wine production commands the attention of the wine market year after year. With over 860,000 hectares under vine, and numbers close to 50 million hectoliters of wine produced annually, France dominates the market and sets the standard for not only product quality, but also quantity. France’s many contributions to the world of wine have been absolutely indispensable. The country is the originator of the term “Premier Cru,” coined the term Terroir (a French term so complex there is no literal translation) and has laid the blueprint for a structured appellation system, which others have implemented in their own countries. French vineyard techniques and winemaking practices are mimicked world-wide. California vintners have been replicating Rhone style wines for decades, South America has adopted the French varietal of Malbec and countries around the world are imitating Burgundian styled Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. With vast diversity in terroir, France is home to some of the most hospitable winegrowing locations on earth. The combination of topography, geology, climate, rainfall and even the amount of sunlight combined with the long historical tradition of winegrowing and making, has allowed the vintners of France to not only hone their skills, but learn from nature to create a product that like the world in which it resides… is very much alive.
Region	Burgundy : Situated just west of the beautiful river Saone, the hills and valleys of Burgundy stand as they have stood since medieval times, and you can almost hear the cheerful chatter of vineyard workers from miles away. Indeed, France's identity in the world of wine would be incomplete without the inclusion of Burgundy and its many viticultural achievements. Every little sub-region of the area boasts a unique soil composition, which, when combined with the area's climate conditions, creates an incredibly diverse and appealing selection of fine wines. Every new bottle is an adventure of its own, and a snapshot of its birthplace. You could spend years sampling great Burgundian wines, and you would still have a lot to learn, which is what makes the region so compelling for veterans and novice wine lovers alike. No matter what your taste in wines may be, there is a winery in Burgundy that could mesmerize your mind and make your senses scream with joy. And what better way to spend a comfy summer afternoon with your friends and family than with a classy bottle from some of the region's most reputable wineries? From the noble slopes of Cote d'Or to the flatlands near various settlements, let us help you on your journey as we explore Burgundy's most delicious and renowned wines.
Subregion	Chablis
Climat/Vineyard	Forets
Cru	Premier Cru