2020 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....
A classic Chablis nose, in fact it would be difficult to mistake it for anything else, precedes racy, delineated and overtly mineral-driven flavors that flash outstanding length on the stony, bone-dry and focused finale. While very tight today, I suspect that this impressive effort will open up moderately quickly. Drink through 2026+.
91-94 points
Allen Meadows - Burghound

Always one of the highlights in Billaud's range, the 2020 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes has once again turned out brilliantly. Exhibiting aromas of crisp orchard fruit, white currants, citrus zest, pastry cream and freshly baked bread, it's medium to full-bodied, layered and chiseled, with an ample core of fruit, racy acids and a long, saline finish. It's worth a special effort to seek out. Drink 2025 - 2045.
94 points
William Kelley - Wine Advocate (Jul 2022)

The 2020 Chablis Les Séchets 1er Cru comes from vines that were planted by Billaud’s grandmother and are now 80 years old. It is matured entirely in tank and presents a crisp, slightly chalky bouquet, more reserved than other cuvées. The palate is poised and vibrant, with a crisp line of acidity. The fresh, tensile, white-peach- and pear-driven finish leaves bitter lemon on the aftertaste. Beautiful. Drink 2025-2048.
92-94 points
Neal Martin - Vinous

Planted by Samuel’s great-grandparents in the 1930s. Pale lemon colour with a light pale green reflection. This is a serious and classical nose that can stand up to being served after the richer terroirs. There is a delicate sweetness of fruit. So fine, really classy. So light on its feet. Brilliant wine!
93-95 points
Jasper Morris MW - Inside Burgundy