Samuel Billaud : Chablis 1er cru "Montmains" 2022

The 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Montmains exhibits attractive aromas of citrus zest, sweet orchard fruit, white flowers and orange zest, followed by a medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy palate animated by bright acids and concluding with a saline finish.

Appealing already, warm and with a sunny disposition on the palate, there is plenty of driving acidity to balance. Billaud explains that the white clay gives more power. Plenty of tension here. Will age. Not at all overripe. A fine example of Montmains with the vines averaging 35 years old. No barrels.

The 2022 Chablis Montmains 1er Cru has a fresh and vibrant bouquet. A hint of chai infuses the citrus fruit, becoming increasingly mineral-driven as it opens in the glass. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity. A touch of white chocolate and peach skin gains depth toward the finish, but doesn’t quite let go like Billaud’s other Premier Crus. Still, this is a very classy Montmains.