2012 Domaine Raveneau Chablis Grand Cru "Valmur" (lightly stained label)

As is customary for this cru, the 2012 Valmur is quite a bit more reserved out of the blocks than the Blanchots, but this too is going to be a legendary example of the vintage in the fullness of time. The stunning nose is a youthful blend of apple, pink grapefruit, tangerine, a great base of minerality, citrus peel, apple blossoms and just a touch of smokiness in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure and transparent on the attack, with a solid core of fruit, great focus and cut and a very, very long, laser-like and stony finish. Stunning juice.

Bright, pale yellow. Explosive, ripe aromas of grapefruit peel and white flowers, plus a primary whiff of banana that quickly dissipated. Rich, sweet and deep but with terrific cut and delicacy for the vintage, not to mention inner-mouth tension. Really superb subtle flavor intensity here from steady ripening without any extremes of weather (these vines are protected from the hottest sun of the day by their north/south axis). Finishes broad but precise, with sweet floral and citrus notes and a strong element of wet stone. (ST)