2002 Chablis Foret
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Tasting notes
Nobody anticipated how well the 2002 Chablis La Forêt 1er Cru from Raveneau would show. At 16 years of age, it has a gorgeous bouquet with scents of lemon curd, white chocolate and vanilla, which makes it read more exotic than it actually is; these are fleeting glimpses amongst riveting crushed flint scents. The palate is exceptionally well balanced, delivering incredible drive and penetration, and yet the overriding impression is one of effortless grace. It is almost understated on the finish but beguiling in terms of persistence. It would be impressive for a grand cru, let alone what I feel is a premier cru that is under-appreciated by cognoscenti. What matters lies in the glass, and this delivers – big time.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Bright gold. Edge of zest. Very firm and youthful. So pure and fresh. Like a mountain stream! (JR)
(from vines that are less than 10 years of age). Spicy, ripe and elegant green fruit notes with remarkably dense, rich and full-bodied, indeed almost robust flavors that offer excellent intensity and a sappy, noticeably warm finish. This is quite opulent and forward in style with excellent underlying material and just enough finishing precision to remind one that this is Chablis and not Meursault.
Sweet, fresh aromas of apricot, apple and butter, along with a suggestion of petrol. Spicy, dense and layered, with captivating fruit-driven flavors and lovely persistence. Our Forets is always a wine to enjoy on the early side, notes Bernard Raveneau; "it's never a particularly complex style."