2006 Robert Renaud Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru
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Tasting notes
The Raveneau 2006 Chablis Vaillons combines the best of both worlds: the irresistibly generous cherry and peach fruitiness of the Montmains with the thought-provoking mineral side of the Montmains. A truly intricate interplay of flavors entertains you: iodine, chalk, toasted pistachio, and cherry pit are all suggested in the dynamic, gripping finish of this easily ten-year wine. Bernard Raveneau is an unabashed partisan of his 2005s – and no wonder, based on the subset of those that I tasted, including a magnificent Valmur which he rightly terms “complete” and “close to his ideal.” Raveneau is less effusive in praise of his 2006s – each of which I tasted from a selection of barrels – opining that lavish fruit and richness are precisely this collection’s fortes. I think he underestimates the depth of his own 2006s, and only hope I have opportunity to revisit some of them in five or ten years. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright yellow. Reticent but very ripe aromas of peach, minerals and honey. Sweet, broad and ripe, but with lovely harmonious acidity framing the orange and honey flavors and imbuing the wine with freshness. Finishes saline, rich and quite long, with noteworthy mineral grip. This is awfully attractive right now.
Good pale, green-tinged color. Rather austere nose suggests menthol and stone. Steely and bracing, with bright, deep flavors of citrus peel, flowers and crushed stone. The older vines here give the wine more structure, not to mention amplitude, notes Bernard Raveneau. Finishes shapely, brisk and long, with complex hints of grapefruit, pineapple and toast.