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2020 Samuel Billaud Mont de Milieu 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....
Billaud noted that this will have about 20% wood in the final blend. Here too there is a vague whiff of the exotic to the aromas of passion fruit, white peach, mineral reduction and shrimp shell scents. There is again very good density to the intense big-bodied flavors that possess a caressing but muscular finish that coats the palate. This is already showing fine complexity and overall, is a wine that should amply repay extended bottle aging. Drink through 2027+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound
From three parcels, 80, 35 and 75 years old, harvested separately with one or two days between, the 2020 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is aged 80% in tank and 20% in 500-liter barrels for 18 months. It is very complex on the nose, offering apple blossom, freshly diced pear, sea spray and flinty aromas. The palate is well balanced, taut and fresh, delivering a fine bead of acidity and a toothsome finish with plenty of sapidity. Excellent. Drink 2024-2048.
91-93 points
Neal Martin - Vinous
From three plots which Samuel owns, covering from bottom to top of the vineyard, mostly old vines. 20% has been made in 450 litre wood, the rest in tank. Pretty lemon colour with light green touches, a certain weight of vivid powerful white fruit on the nose. Perfectly balanced on the palate, generous in style as ever, pure white fruit. Striking mineral finish while the weight is halfway to grand cru.
92-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy