Samuel Billaud - Chablis 1er cru - Montée de Tonnerre - White - 2023

Wine:

The 2023 Chablis White Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre captures the pure essence of Chardonnay, delivering striking mineral clarity layered over a refined, well-judged oak aging—bringing notes of toast and spice that frame rather than mask the wine. Generous in volume, with a supple, textured mouthfeel, it shows impeccable balance and impressive length. A superb White to enjoy over the next ten years, and likely well beyond.

Vinification:

Hand harvested. Aged for approximately 15 months, 1/4 in demi-muids (half-barrels) containing several wines and 3/4 in vats.

Color:

Bright golden color.

Nose:

Purity of Chardonnay, beautiful mineral brightness against a backdrop of noble and well-managed oak aging.

Palate:

Full-bodied and voluminous, this wine is well-balanced with a long finish and mineral flavors.

Temperature:

Serve between 10 and 12°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Seafood, shellfish, sea and river fish, grilled sea bass with fennel.

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035 and beyond for enthusiasts.

For the past 10 years, Domaine Samuel Billaud has been turning heads in Chablis, consistently delivering standout wines with brilliant tension and shimmering minerality.

Awarded 2 stars in the Guide RVF—a prestigious French wine publication—the estate may be modest in size, with just 4 hectares under vine, but it boasts an impressive share of Premier and Grand Cru parcels.

Critics are unanimous in their praise for the precision and radiance of these wines, whose expression rivals some of the finest Whites from the Côte de Beaune.