Cellar Favorite: 1986 Domaine Roland Lavantureux Chablis Village

BY NEAL MARTIN | JULY 20, 2026

Many of Chablis’ wines, perhaps too many, are consumed before they reach their prime, especially outside the hallowed names of François Raveneau and Vincent Dauvissat. The truth is, in my experience, Chablis can age beautifully in bottle. And not just the Grand Crus. Case in point, the 1986 Chablis Village from Domaine Roland Lavantureux, a wine made by Roland Lavantureux himself. Lavantureux’s maiden release was the 1979 vintage. His sons took over many years later, in 2010. The 1986 was fabulous after four decades, with plenty left in the tank. Lanolin, Conference pear and light candlewax scents emerge on the nose, which is far more complex and vivacious than you would anticipate. The palate does not disappoint. Fresh and vibrant, quite malic at first, it gradually reveals shades of gooseberry, orange rind and a discreet hazelnut note on the oily-textured finish. Given the calibre of wine currently being produced by David Lavantureux and his brother Arnaud, I suspect those will also evolve over similar timespans, possibly even longer. 92/Drink 2026-2042.

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