Wow this was one of my top Raveneau experiences thus far.
The nose is detailed and full of little white flowers like lattice work, yet saline, oceanic and savory. On pop and pour the wine is imposing, sappy, and mouth coating rippling with glycerol and petrol - so much power and pressure beneath the surface (I tasted it, but then decanted for 4 hours before bringing to dinner with friends). As the evening progresses, salty tidal pool and umami notes take over the bouquet and eventually give way to greek yogurt and Parmesan rind. On the palate the smoky petrol notes integrate over time and the wine becomes liquid rocks carried by a massive squeeze of salty limestone citrus and simmering ginger which sublimates on the finish. It is packed to the brim with texture and dry extract, but is effortless in its delivery. Marvelous.
I’m still trying to hone in on my sweet spot for these wines. Great vintages seem to hit another gear around 15, but this was the oldest one I’ve tried. Had many in the 12 - 18 range.
Sometimes gracefully aged white burg in the 30+ year range doesn’t have enough acid for me to find pleasure, but I’ve never had a Raveneau with that much age on it.
