Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis Grand Cru "Vaudésir" 2022

This Grand Cru Vaudésir has a vibrant complexity and a great volume.

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 two plots of Grand Cru Vaudésir are located in the southwest side of Chablis, which is colder than the southeastern side. This results in the grapes ripening earlier. By blending the two plots, Samuel is adding complexity to the wine.

The 2022 Chablis Vaudesir Grand Cru comes from two parcels, one on the east and the other on the west side of the climat that have different degrees of sunshine. It has a lovely bouquet with mirabelle, lime and orange blossom scents that gain intensity with aeration. The palate is very well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. Harmonious and poised, this has life-affirming tension on the finish. One of the most sophisticated and cerebral wines of the vintage. 97 points, Neal Martin, Vinous. 100% Chardonnay.

What we say

"The Grand Cru Vaudésir is showing its youth and energy right now. It is powerful, really fine and pleasurable. The Vaudésir usually is richer but Samuel’s blend of differently located vineyards proves to be bringing extra freshness to it. It is superb Grand Cru."

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.