2023 Domaine Francois Raveneau, Chablis, Grand Cru Les Clos

Domaine François Raveneau's unwavering commitment to meticulous vineyard stewardship and minimal intervention underpins their profound expressions of Chablis Grand Cru terroir. Their Les Clos emanates from the appellation's largest and most uniform southwest-facing slope, where the deep Kimmeridgian marl and limestone soils dictate an inherent mineral tension. Hand-harvested grapes undergo indigenous yeast fermentation in stainless steel before maturation in neutral, used feuillettes, a deliberate choice to build structural integrity without overt oak character. The 2023 vintage, marked by a warm growing season and rapid September ripening, presented challenges for acid retention; however, diligent site management and timely harvest captured ample ripeness and a broader texture. This results in a Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos that balances its generous fruit with a persistent, mineral-driven intensity, reflecting both vintage conditions and Raveneau's exacting approach.