Domaine Samuel Billaud - Chablis Grand Cru "Blanchot" 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. 

Issuing from 40-year-old vines in the middle of the climat with clay-rich soils, and matured for a year in 500-liter barrels (from Tonnellerie Chassin), followed by six months in tank, the 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Blanchot is another success. Opening in the glass to reveal notes of white flowers, grapefruit peel and white peach, it’s medium to full-bodied, bright and precise, structured around racy acidity and chalky extract. It’s tensile and saline, slightly more compact than the richer, more muscular Vaudésir and Les Clos tasted alongside it. 93-94 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.