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

This is notably ripe while managing to remain agreeably fresh on the vaguely exotic nose of white and yellow peach, acacia, spice, quinine and moderate wood influence. There is both good volume and richness to the attractively textured middle weight flavours that are, despite the richness, almost delicate while exuding a subtle minerality on the youthfully austere bitter citrus-inflected finale. This is lovely but note well that is young to the point of being compact at present. 2031+
93 Burghound.

Sourced from from east and west-facing parcels, uniting the perfume and texture of east with the cooler, more mineral profile of west (especially beneficial in warm years like this, to support the acid backbone), Samuel Billaud's 2023 Chablis Grand Cru Vaudésir is opening in the glass to reveal a bouquet of apricot, dried white flowers, pear and tangerine zest. Full-bodied, layered and multidimensional, with good tension and grip, it’s beautifully balanced, concluding with a persistent finish.
94-96 Kristaps Karklins, Wine Advocate.

Lime zest, lilac on the nose. Same ageing process as the Blanchot. Round, but generally needs more time. Because of its density ( a bit blocked today). Super mineral, lovely freshness on the finish. Will benefit from around 10 years in the bottle.
Katharine Maude 08/04/2025