Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" 2023

This Montmains is well-balanced with a keen thread of acidity.

Samuel Billaud is considered to be one of the select few outstanding producers in Chablis, able to draw 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. In the middle of Montmains from 36-year-old vines.

A markedly floral-suffused nose proffers additional notes of pear and enough classic Chablis character to be persuasive. The medium-bodied flavours possess a gorgeous texture that is a mix of punch and refinement while delivering fine length on the equally stony finale. This too is understated and harmonious. 90-93 points, Allen Meadows, Burghound.

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.