Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis Grand Cru "Valmur" 2023

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. A single plot cuvee, the grapes for this wine are from vines of 70-80 years of age.

Just one 228-liter barrel of the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Valmur was produced from 70-year-old vines facing west. Slightly more taut and introverted than the Vaudésir that preceded it in the tasting, it is opening in the glass to reveal a bouquet of kaleidoscopic complexity, featuring notes of oyster shell, beeswax, apricot and honeysuckle. Layered and concentrated, with ample reserves of chalky extract, bright acidity and a mouthwateringly saline finish, it already reflects the terroir’s unique attributes. 94-96 points - Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate. 100% Chardonnay.

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 litres barrels. Finally, the wines are matured for 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.