"Wow – better than Ravenau in this vintage? Maybe yes, maybe no – but benchmark !!"

- Bill Nanson Burgundy Report

Domaine Samuel Billaud has definitely entered the discussion about top domaines in Chablis. They are definitely shoulder-to-shoulder qualitatively with Droin, Fevre, Pinson, Billaud-Simon, Christian Moreau, and Louis Michel.

Samuel Billaud struck out on his own in 2009 after being the winemaker at Billaud-Simon for several years. Thanks to a new winery facility and newly purchased vineyards, Samuel Billaud was in a position by 2015 to fashion some amazing Chablis. Only the Grand Cru sees new oak about 15% while the rest age in small stainless steel tanks. 2023 was an exceptionally warm vintage and the wines are loaded with deep, pure orchard fruit notes while retaining excellent acidity and salinity.

We have six fantatsic offerings from Domaine Samuel Billaud in stock currently priced as low as $32.99 and as high as $79.99. Our first exceptional offering is the 2023 Samuel Billaud Bourgogne d'Or Chardonnay $32.99. It is sourced 50% from Auxerrois and 50% from Mâconnais. This wine is flush with bright orchard fruit notes that unfurl on the palate to reveal ample complexity, depth, and harmony. It seems to gain momentum on the palate where the fruit gains richness and depth all the way through to a long, satisfying finish. An excellent entry-level Bourgogne Blanc that over-delivers.

The 2023 Domaine Samuel Billaud Petite Chablis $32.99 92DC is a classically structured Chablis with beautiful fruit notes, an elegantly styled palate that delivers tell-tale notes of salinity and white flowers with fresh acidity and drive. Chablis lovers will surely enjoy this Chablis’ classic feel and at this price-point it is a marvelous value.

The estate Chablis at 2023 Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis $39.99 92DC 90-92JM 89-92BH 88-90VN steps it up a notch with more power and structure. The orchard fruit notes here are vivid and veer towards tangerine and orange oil notes with sea breeze and wet stone accents. There’s impressive length and complexity here and this wine easily competes with other top-notch estates’ Chablis.

The three 1er Cru offerings are all stunning in their own right, and each one is easily distinguishable from the other. The 2023 Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru "Fourneaux" $79.99 93TA 93WA 93DC 90-93BH 91-92JM 91-93VN is the sexiest wine of the trio. Loaded with ample orchard fruit and tropical fruit notes this hedonistic, full-bodied Chablis has layer-after-layer of pure fruit notes with a bright, zesty and salty feel. This is a richly textured, full-throttle Chablis that is absolutely delicious.

The 2023 Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru "Montmains" $79.99 92WA 90-92VN 90-93BH 91-92JM feels the most complete with the perfect balance between fruit, acidity, and mineral notes. The complexity here is astounding with a kaleidoscope of fruit nicely framed by ample acidity and zesty tannins. A wonderful Chablis, the Montmains is a classic in the making.

The 2023 Domaine Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru "Vaillons Vieilles Vignes" $79.99 94TA 91-93VN 91-93BH 90-93JM 91WA is in the most reticent stage of the three 1er Crus currently. Structured and complex, there is ample orchard fruit notes with hints of green pineapple and lemon oil. The wine gains momentum on the palate and finishes with an incredibly long, full finish that lingers ever so lovingly on the palate for 30+ seconds.

Any three of these spectacular 1er Crus will drink well now or can be aged for 5-10 years and provide a great aged Chablis experience.

- Alex Pross, K&L Burgundy Buyer