2018 Samuel Billaud Les Vaillons Vieilles Vignes Chablis Premier Cru

While the origins of this domaine date back to Charles-Louis-Noel Billaud in 1815, it's the current generation winemaker Samuel Billaud that has made waves with the exceptional quality of his wines produced since the creation of this project in 2009. Following the sale of the family business Domaine Billaud-Simon to Faiveley in 2014, Samuel received further prized parcels of land and now makes wines from five of the grand cru vineyards, and five of the top premier cru vineyards. The wines are vinified in a mixture of stainless steel and large old wood barrels, the latter mainly for the premier and grand cru wines.

Other Reviews....
A cool and restrained nose grudgingly offers up notes of lemon-lime, quinine and white fleshed fruit. There is excellent vibrancy to the sleek and well-detailed flavors that conclude in a markedly dry, clean and focused finish that is presently quite tightly wound. I suspect that it will gradually flesh out though and 3 to 4 years should see it drinking well. This too is lovely.
91 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

Pretty aromas of crisp green orchard fruit, dried white flowers, oyster shell and orange introduce the 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes, a satiny, medium to full-bodied wine that's bright and incisive, with racy acids and a chalky finish.
91 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (July 2020)

The 2018 Chablis Vaillons 1er Cru has a pale silvery hue. The bouquet is conservative for this particular vineyard, conveying subtle grass clipping and fresh pear tones, perhaps just missing the pizzazz of Billaud’s other cuvées this vintage. The palate is well balanced with a pretty opening: lemon confit, a dab of lemongrass and an underlying salinity that enlivens the finish. A thoroughly enjoyable and well-crafted Vaillons that I suspect will offer most in its youth.
91 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Located in the middle of Vaillons. A saline touch to the nose, verbena too, with some firm acidity behind and a touch of youthful bitterness. Holds well at the back. The old vines help produce a wine of impressive intensity.
92-94 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy