2018 Samuel Billaud Sechet 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....
Discreet but not invisible wood sets off ripe and airy aromas of citrus peel, oyster shell and apple scents. I very much like the mouthfeel of the impressively intense and reasonably dense middle weight flavors that are overtly mineral driven while culminating in a bone dry and sneaky long finish. Lovely and fashioned in an understated style.
92 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

The 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes is a worthy successor to the superb 2017 rendition, delivering aromas of crisp orchard fruit, crushed chalk, white flowers and fresh bread. Medium to full-bodied, layered and incisive, it's concentrated and penetrating, with racy acids and a long, chalky finish.
93+ points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (July 2020)

The 2018 Chablis Séchet Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru comes from 0.60ha of 80-year-old vines and spends 18 months on the fine lees. It bides its time in the glass. Discreet at first, it gradually unfurls to reveal quite intense marine aromas of shucked oyster shells and sea cave. This is very well defined but it clearly benefits from decanting. The palate is lively on the entry, presenting a lovely lick of salinity right from the start. Fine energy here, and great focus, with just a touch of spice coming through on the finish and aftertaste. A very fine Séchet from M. Billaud. Recommended.
93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

This shows the sunshine somewhat, less obviously Sechets than usual on the nose, while the mouth shows excellent backbone, classic Chablis but with a fleshier, almost buttery coating, which is less typical. Salty butter that is. Good length it must be said.
90-93 points
Jasper Morris - Inside Burgundy