2021, Domaine Samuel Billaud, CHABLIS, 1er Cru, 'Montmains'

Pale lemon colour. Once again, the nose is discreet but fine. Actually, I can still taste the straight Chablis which immediately preceded this! Crisp, stony, then a light vegetal touch with some lemon juice as well. Delineated finish, long and fine. Still very youthful. 15 hl/ha. **** 91-93 Jasper Morris MW. 

A floral top note is present on the expressive aromas of mineral reduction, sea breeze and citrus confit. The more refined yet seriously dense medium-bodied flavours brim with dry extract on the lemony and chiseled finish that delivers excellent length. This will however need to develop better depth through the underlying material is so good that it should be capable of doing just that if given time. 90-92 Burghound. 

In the middle of Mountains from 37-year-old vines, all in tank. One of the worst affected by the frost - 10-15 hl/ha. An extra lift of more acidulated citrus notes. Mouth-filling - there's impressive volume here - ultra-mineral but not severe. The salinity is very present in the finish of this fine and classic wine - really an excellent thing. Bill Nanson. 

The 2021 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru, severely damaged by frost and cropped at just 15hl/ha, has a classic, "old school" Chablis nose, mean yet quite compelling. The palate is very well-balanced with a tangy, saline entry. Plenty of quintessential Chablis green fruit, this has impressive depth with a harmonious and quite linear finish. I wonder if this has even more up its sleeve? 92 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023).

Drinking Window: 2025 - 2028