2019 CHABLIS GRAND CRU VAUDÉSIR BILLAUD-SIMON - 6x75cl

Tasting Notes

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  Goedhuis, November 2020

  Initially the most reserved of the Billaud-Simon line up of wines, but that is to be expected for this is a wine with broader shoulders and real muscle. It isn’t designed to show all its colours young, but there is so much to it. Very controlled scent of jasmine and gardenia. It has a structured mineral drive, and is layered, full and hugely intense. Top class with enormous ageing potential.

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  Burghound, November 2020,
  Score: 90-93

  Subtle but not invisible wood surrounds the softly exotic aromas of both white and yellow orchard that flash solid Chablis character in the form of iodine and oyster shell. The sleek, sophisticated and attractively vibrant middle weight flavors possess good volume and while the finish isn't quite as precise, I like the balance of the tightly coiled finish. Drink 2027+

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  Decanter, October 2020,
  Score: 92

  Vaudésir is a 15ha site, notable for a high percentage of clay, and a double exposure with some vines facing north, others south. There are plenty of honeyed, zesty citrus fruits in this example with good concentration and bright acidity. Not my absolute favourite Grand Cru but there is still plenty of precision here. Will undoubtedly improve with further maturation in bottle. Drink 2022-2030

• 

  Matthew Jukes, November 2020,
  Score: 18.5

  Chablis, Grand Cru Vaudésir, Billaud-Simon Looking suitably Grand, this is a more statuesque creation with obvious flair and a little more opulence than Valmur and this makes it a cut above if only because the fruit and impact are more obvious. The mid-palate is sleek and bright and this is the key to this wine’s success. If this were fatter or heavier it would not have the momentum and bounce required on the palate. But because this is such a toned creature its cadence is enlivening. Not a massively long-lived wine but a very rewarding one, this is the top cuvée for B-S in 2019. Drink 2024-2032

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  Jasper Morris MW, December 2020,
  Score: 92-95

  From three plots, vinified in tank and then racked into wood. Olivier found it a bit austere, so wanted to fatten it out and add complexity. Iodine notes starting to be teased out on the nose. This is an excellent expression of the vineyard bolstered by the ripeness of the vintage, but still entirely within limits. Very long pure white fruit aftertaste. 4 stars.

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Producer

Domaine Billaud-Simon

Bernard Billaud sold his estate to the Cote d’Or’s largest landowner, Maison Faiveley, in 2014 and it is heartening to see this famous Nuits St Georges house both maintaining and driving the quality ideals of this great Chablis estate ever further forward. This substantial domaine of 17 hectares comprises exceptional vineyard sites including four premiers crus and four grands crus. Mature vineyards and minimal use of oak produce crisp and driven wines which are delicious in youth and fabulous with some age. The individual terroirs always shine through.