2023, Domaine Samuel Billaud, CHABLIS, 'Bougros', Grand Cru

Côte de Bougros approaching Preuses.

Just enough wood to notice sets off ripe white-fleshed fruit and citrus aromas along with moderate Chablis typicity. The wood is also present on the palate of the acceptably concentrated flavours that are delicious and vibrant though more depth would help on the balanced and lingering finish. This is presently somewhat oaky so I would definitely be inclined to allow it a few years of keeping in the hopes that it will more completely integrate. 2030+
91 Burghound.

Demonstrative and broad shouldered, Samuel Billaud’s 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros is sourced from a west-facing plot at the top of the climat, near Les Preuses, and is produced from purchased fruit, though Billaud himself decides the harvest date and it’s his team that picks the fruit. Jumping from the glass with aromas of baked bread, spice, peach and pear, it’s ample, textural and giving, laden with tangy acidity and a saline quality that balances the richness of the fruit, concluding with a long, intense finish. It’s aged for a year in barrels, followed by six months in tank.
93 Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate.

Considered the most approachable of the grand cru. Med-gold straw colour. Apple and white floral and white spice nose and lemon zest. Beautiful roundness, apples, citrus, floral, mineral. A little well-integrated woodiness and a pleasing finish.
Katharine Maude 08/04/2025