Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er Cru "Montée de Tonnerre" 2022

This 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is mineral, complex and deep.

Samuel Billaud is considered to be one of the select few outstanding producers in Chablis. Testament to this is Samuel’s ability 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. There are two vineyards used to make this wine. One located in the Haut-Chapelot part of Chablis with vines of 35 years of age and the other located in Montée de Tonnerre also with very old vines. 25% of the wine is matured in 600 litre oak barrels to add subtle richness.

This beautiful Chablis 1er Cru has a very precise bouquet, showing hints of white stone fruits, nectarine, white peach and also some green apple. The palate is boasting superb chalky notes, and a little bit of spice. This is a very refined wine. It can be paired with seafood, lobster, prawns and a selection of goat cheese. This wine can be enjoyed in its youth or kept for more than eight years.

From vines planted in 1971 and 1976. The same pale clear colour. The nose is chiselled and backward. With a minute or two in the glass, the opulence starts to show. There is an awful lot of wine in this glass but it remains really tightly wound. Magical structure, and exceptional length. This is going to make a great Montée de Tonnerre with lasting abilities. Fresh white pears, nothing too rich nor sunny. The finish just will not stop! Yet the wine is both refreshing and complex at the same time. Drink from 2027-2035. 92-96 points, Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy. 100% Chardonnay.

What we say
Technical notes

"The 1er Cru “Montée de Tonnerre” could be a Grand Cru considering its class and complexity. Samuel has two well-located vineyards emphasizing the depth and length of this wine. This should be in every Chablis lover’s cellar!"

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 fermentation in small stainless steel tanks. The malolactic fermentation is done for 25% in 600 litre oak barrels and matured for 12 months on fine lees.

What we say

Technical notes