2018 Chablis Les Preuses
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru, which comes from 60-year-old vines and spends 18 months on the fine lees, has a vibrant, energetic nose, presenting flint and smoke at first, then subtle dried white flowers soon after, but maintaining a sense of classicism at all times. The palate is very well balanced with peach and nectarine notes on the entry, razor-sharp acidity effortlessly counterbalancing the richness of this Les Preuses. It keeps its foot on the accelerator right to the end. An outstanding Les Preuses from Samuel Billaud.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Neal Martin
More reviews and scores
Wafting from the glass with inviting aromas of orange oil, citrus blossom and nutmeg, the 2018 Chablis Grand Cru Les Preuses is full-bodied, satiny and sensuous, with an enveloping core of fruit, racy acids and a long, mineral finish. This is another beautiful wine from Samuel Billaud, and it's already quite demonstrative.
Barrel sample. Fermented in demi-muids. Will spend 6 months in tank before bottling in March 2020. Creamy and wonderfully scented on the nose, complex and open. All the components of citrus, herbs and a stony quality, and the mealy creamy oak character pulling them all together. Rich, juicy, finely balanced and open even though it is embryonic. Good length and with a crisp, lively finish. (JH)
About the producer
Samuel Billaud started making wine under his own name in 2009, but he is one of the most experienced producers in Chablis, having made wine in the region since 1985.