Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" 2022
This Chablis GC Les Clos is very fine and complex.
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 plots of Grand Cru Les Clos are from the upper part of the hill and typically, the Les Clos from this section is more restrained and requires more time to develop.
The 2022 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru comes from 0.8ha at the top of the hill, and due to court-noue (a virus that lowers the fruit quality), there is only a single barrel produced. Aged in a used oak from the Chassin cooperage, it has a well defined bouquet, a little nuttier than the Vaudesir or Bougros. The palate is very well balanced with orange zest, peach skin and light lemon peel notes. It gains weight towards the finish that lingers wonderfully on the mouth - a sophisticated Les Clos that will be hard to find (unfortunately). 94 points, Neal Martin, Vinous. 100% Chardonnay.
What we say
"Samuel had some very low yields on the Grand Cru Les Clos. For me, this Grand Cru is a sleeping giant. It is the best of them all but it deserves more attention and time to show. I love the tightness and the restrained profile of this wine. It will blossom after a good decantation and keep delivering some sumptuous fruit and mineral flavours."
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 partly in small stainless steel tanks and 400 litre barrels. Finally, the wines are matured for 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.