Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er Cru "Séchet" 2021
This 1er Cru Séchet is mineral, textural and long.
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 Séchet is from an old vineyard that belonged to Samuel’s great grandmother. The vines are 70 years old on average and located on the left bank which is part of the 1er cru “Vaillons”.
The nose exhibits complex flavours of green fruits, lemon peel, apricots and oyster shells. On the palate, it is explosive with plenty of mineral tension and it draws a long finish. 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 five years.
Another chiseled classic is the 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes, a medium to full-bodied, racy and layered wine evocative of citrus oil and white currants mingled with apple blossom, beeswax and oyster shells. Saline and penetrating, it was matured for 18 months in tank. 93+ points, William Kelley, Wine Advocate. 100% Chardonnay.
- What we say
- Technical notes
"The 1er Cru “Séchet” is matured entirely in stainless steel tanks adding to its strong acidity and tension. The green fruits and stone fruits are very fine and showing a great depth. In addition, the minerality, iodine and salivating mouth fill are delightful. It is an impressive Séchet indeed."
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
"The 1er Cru “Séchet” is matured entirely in stainless steel tanks adding to its strong acidity and tension. The green fruits and stone fruits are very fine and showing a great depth. In addition, the minerality, iodine and salivating mouth fill are delightful. It is an impressive Séchet indeed."
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 in small stainless steel tanks. Finally, the wines are matured for 12 months on fine lees in stainless steel tanks.
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