2018 CHABLIS 1ER CRU VAILLONS BILLAUD-SIMON - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

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  Goedhuis, December 2019

  The most accessible of the Billaud-Simon premiers crus in its youth. The Vaillons has a delicate lime green tinge and a nose of lemon sherbet. A very appealing style that balances lightly perfumed notes with hints of mineral brightness.

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  Antonio Galloni, January 2020,
  Score: 90-92

  The 2018 Chablis Les Vaillons 1er Cru is presently showing only a very approximate impression of what this wine will ultimately be. Even so, there is good depth, as well as the strong balance of fruit intensity and vibrancy that runs through all of these wines. The Vaillons is a blend of six parcels in the greater Vaillons, composed of two in Vaillons proper and one each in Melinots, Roncieres, Secher and Chatains.

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  Burghound, October 2019,
  Score: 89-91

  A more elegant and airier nose speaks of mineral reduction, citrus zest, spice and plenty of white pepper and floral nuances. There is actually a bit less volume to the more finely detailed middle weight flavors that deliver fine length on the precise and chiseled finale. This isn't especially dense but I like the mouth feel and inviting character. Drink: 2024+

• 

  Jasper Morris MW, December 2019

  This is a blend from across the wider Vaillons appellation with two plots in Séchets, two in Chatains, one each in Mélinots and Roncières. Currently all is in tank but some will spend a bit of time in wood. Just sulphured so the nose has been temporarily hindered. A faint green tint to the pale colour. Typical Vaillons on the palate though with more flesh than usual, white stone fruit, a little heat at the back but nothing serious. This is very promising.

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Producer

Domaine Billaud-Simon

The Billaud-Simon name is long-established in Chablis, dating back to 1815 when Charles-Louis-Noël Billaud purchased his first vineyards. The estate remained in family ownership for 200 years until Erwan Faiveley purchased Billaud-Simon for Joseph Faiveley in 2015. This represents a new era for the Faiveley family, one of the Côte d’Or’s most significant vineyard owners, now investing their expertise and commitment to producing great wines in the Yonne and Chablis with approximately 18 hectares of exceptional vineyard holdings including four premiers crus and four grands crus. Under the guidance of Wine Director Olivier Bailly, they remain respectful to the traditions of the estate and continue to sell the wines under the Billaud-Simon name. The style is graceful and pure. Olivier seeks to make wines with true appellational authenticity. Oak is kept to minimal levels, only used judiciously, allowing the natural fruit content to express itself to a maximum.