An overtly expressive, even pungent nose displays a mix of citrus elements as well as notes of white flowers, mineral reduction, iodine and seaweed. There is excellent richness, even a creamy texture to the robust and muscular flavors that brim with a fine dry extract while culminating in a tension-filled, complex and mineral-driven finish that exhibits just a touch of youthful bitterness. Outstanding ♥

I drank most of my bottles of Raveneau's 2011 Chablis 1er Cru Butteaux too young, and more fool me, as the wine is now really hitting its stride. Offering up aromas of oyster shell, citrus oil and beeswax, the slightly herbal notes that betrayed the vintage in its youth have been transformed into scents of warm hay as this Butteaux reaches maturity. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and layered, with chalky structure and impeccable balance, it concludes with an impressively long, penetrating finish. - William Kelley