Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er Cru "Mont de Milieu" 2023

This 1er Cru Mont de Milieu is fresh, textural and long.

Samuel Billaud is considered to be one of the select few outstanding producers in Chablis. Testament to this is Samuel’s ability to bring out the unique characteristics of each of his fantastic terroirs. His wines have a distinctive elegance, balance and complexity that is seldom achieved with such precision. The Mont de Milieu vineyard is more than 45 years old and 20% of the wine is matured in 600 litre oak barrels to add subtle richness.

Their own three plots at the Chablis end of the vineyard, with old vines in two of the plots. The yield was only 45 hl/ha here even in 2023. Pale lemon colour. A very stylish complete nose, with its extra touches of white fruit and flesh. Excellent salinity behind, a real mineral crunch. Drink from 2027-2032. 91-94 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy. 91-94 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy. 100% Chardonnay.

What we say

"The 1er Cru “Mont de Milieu” is magnificent showing notes of fine exotic fruit. It is riper than the 1er Cru “Montée de Tonnerre”. The mouth fill is dense, driven and layered. It is one really impressive example of this climat."

Technical notes

At Domaine Samuel Billaud the grapes are harvested by both hand and machine for the Petit Chablis and Chablis and only by hand for the 1er Cru and Grand Cru vineyards. In the vineyard, the yields are managed strictly to accentuate the concentration of the grapes. The harvest date is of vital importance in this regard and Samuel chooses the date without any compromise. As a result it can sometimes take up to four weeks to harvest his plots. This ensures that every plot is at optimal ripeness. Once picked, the grapes are quickly brought to the winery and pressed in the pneumatic press. Then the juice undergoes its alcoholic and malo-lactic fermentation in small stainless steel tanks. Finally, the wines are matured for 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.