The 2011 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre is all about grace. A gentle hint of spice leads to dried pears, crushed flowers, red berries and licorice. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2011 is a marvel to behold. Suggestions of smoke, graphite and licorice add layers of nuance in a magical wine loaded with class and personality. Best of all, the 2011 is relatively approachable by Raveneau standards, which means reader won't have to wait long at all to experience the magic of one of the great sites in Chablis.

As is usually the case, this possesses the most refined nose of this group of 1ers with its blend of various floral nuances, citrus, stone and ocean breeze scents trimmed in just a hint of wood. There is really beautiful detail to the stony, sappy and sleekly muscled flavors that display a lovely sense of harmony and vibrancy. This is both finer and more complex than the Butteaux. A stunner. - October 2013