Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons" Vielles Vignes 2021

This 1er Cru Vaillons is mineral, textural and fresh.

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 Vaillons is from an old vineyard that belonged to Samuel’s great grandmother. The vines are 70 years old on average and ideally located on the left bank.

The same pale colour. The bouquet is absolutely authentic Vaillons, all about the dry stones. Tension, bitterness, full too but without deviating from the style of the terroir. A very concentrated dry and long finish. Just what I want with my oysters. Endless finish! Drink from 2027-2034. 92-95 points - Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy.

What we say
Technical notes

"The 1er Cru “Vaillons” is matured entirely in stainless steel tanks adding to its strong acidity and tension. The old vine is bringing concentration to the mid-palate, with a coating minerality all along, a beauty!."

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.

What we say

Technical notes