Meeting a legend
I was fortunate enough this weekend to meet Bernard Raveneau himself (far right, in pic). A legend in Chablis, I couldn't really say much to him, but I did smile a lot. I suppose it didn't help that my french is incredibly rusty, and that he doesn't really speak much english, but I think the appreciation for his wines (of which, I must admit, I am a total noob) was conveyed.
I'm not to the point of creating my own tasting notes yet, so I've incorporated my friend's assessment (he's the oenophile; I'm his padawan learner).
’03 Butteaux: Ripe and full, loaded with more typical “chardonnay character”
’01 Montee: Gorgeous and seductive, a stunner with white truffle, oily hazelnut and marzipan
’02 Montee: Much more subdued, but a great balance and elegance
’03 Montee: Leaning more toward the Butteaux in richness, due to ’03, almost a powdery consistency vs laser focus
’03 Valmur: Big and ripe like the other ‘03s, but an added jasmine/honeysuckle note
An excellent article about Chablis, which highlights the beauty of Raveneau:
http://www.foodandwine.com/articles/in-search-of-amazing-chardonnays
I have a bottle of the 2003 Montee de Tonnerre at home; waiting for another 5 years to open it. Hopefully each year I will purchase at least one, which will give me a steady supply of fine wines to enjoy in my 30s. :)