Samuel Billaud, Chablis Premier Cru, Vaillons Vieilles Vignes 2022

Undoubtedly one of the most talented winemakers in Chablis, Samuel struck out on his own back in 2009, leaving his family Domaine Billaud-Simon after 24 years as winemaker there. The style of his wines will delight Chablis purists with their steely minerality achieved though picking early, minimal use of oak and long ageing on lees. Neal Martin has highlighted him as a top producer, stating “Let’s cut to the chase. Samuel Billaud is one of the most exciting winemakers in Chablis. He has the “touch” that elevates wines to another level, an uncommon sense of completeness and complexity. Would I put him in the same tier as Vincent Dauvissat and Raveneau? I would…”

This Premier Cru comes under the wider Vaillons appellation, situated on the left bank of the river Serein, giving the wine plenty of dry stone minerality. Rich with citrus fruit and steely acidity, this is a fantastic Chablis.