Chablis Vaillons, Domaine François Raveneau 2007

A discreet background note of wood influence sets off an ultra pure nose of lemon peel, soil hints and sea breeze aromas that continue onto the intensely mineral and vibrant middle weight flavors that are supported by bright and ripe acidity on the oyster shell infused finish. I really admire the intensity here as this really stains the palate. Lovely juice.

The Raveneau 2007 Chablis Vaillons (from the core site of that name, with just a few rows lapping into Sechet) was picked on their second day of harvest due to rot pressure on account of clusters having been lightly impacted by hail. From tank, it offers a prime example of the sort of blazing brightness of citrus and almost visceral energy as well as the palpable underlying density and extract that inherently characterize its vintage. The mineral dimension here is equal parts adamant stoniness and savory, invigorating salinity, which makes for a shimmering exchange with fresh citrus in a zesty, ginger-spiced, lip-smacking, practically electrically-charged finish. To the possible extent that any of this wine's intense concentration might reveal itself to have been influenced by botrytis, its evolution bears careful watching, but for now it seems as pure as it is bright and likely destined for at least 6-8 years of fascinating enjoyment.