2021 Samuel Billaud Chablis Premier Cru Mont de Milieu [JM93-95][WA92+][BH92][V91]

Producer: Samuel Billaud  
Region: Chablis, Burgundy, France  
Varietal: Chardonnay 
Year: 2021  

Jasper Morris, 93-95 Points 

"Made from the usual three sectors, at a yield of 15-20 hl/ha, with 20% barrel. A slightly paler colour with discreet bouquet. Excellent tension, a pure white apple and fresh pear fruit, really precise here while maintaining complexity, really very persistent. Beautifully mineral finish, really very fine. Drink from 2025-2032." 

Wine Advocate, 92+ Points 

"Cropped at a meager 15 hectoliters per hectare, the 2021 Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu delivers aromas of sweet citrus oil, white flowers and oyster shells, followed by a medium to full-bodied, satiny and seamless palate with good concentration and an electric spine of acidity. Samuel Billed continues to cement his reputation as one of the town's best half-dozen producers, crafting wines characterized by textural seamlessness and unerring precision. Working with four hectares of organically farmed estate vineyards, supplemented by purchased grapes, manual harvesting of ripe but bright fruit is the rule here, followed by fermentation at 16 to 20 degrees Celsius in tank or inconspicuous wood, then maturation for 15 to 18 months on the lees for the premier cru and grand cru bottlings." 

Burghound, 92 Points 

"As is often the case with Mont de Milieu there is a suggestion of the exotic lurking in the background of the naturally spicy aromas of tidal pool, citrus confit and shellfish. There is outstanding density and volume to the powerful middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that also serves to buffer the firm acid spine shaping the stony, highly complex and bitter lemon-suffused finish. This is also impressive and like rolling tiny rocks around in the mouth! *Outstanding*" 

Vinous, 91 Points 

"The 2021 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru was bottled the previous May. It is still obdurate and backward on the nose with touches of yellow fruit and a hint of white peach. The palate is taut and fresh, very saline, but perhaps it doesn't quite deliver the knockout finish I expected from barrel, hence my slightly lower score. Still a serious Chablis, though." 

Jancis Robinson, 

"Deliciously scented with citrus and lime leaf (tilleul). That delicate scent on the palate combined with a firm citrus drive. Deep-fruited, gently chewy texture – a substantial wine perfectly balanced by immense freshness. Very long." 

Alcohol: 12.5%