Domaine Billaud-Simon is renowned for producing some of the best wines in Chablis, long recognised for their steely, mineral style. Domaine Billaud Simon owns 20 hectares of vineyards in some of the best areas in Chablis. Most of the domaine’s wines see no oak at all, apart from the Premier Cru Mont de Milieu which is 40% vinified in oak and the Grand Cru Les Blanchots, which is 100% vinified in oak.
The Chablis wine region stretches along the Serein valley and across 20 communes. Chablis, known as the ‘Porte d’Or de la Bourgogne’ (‘Golden gates of Burgundy’), has succeeded in establishing a reputation for its dry white wines with a distinctive style: clear, aromatic and lively with a distinct minerality.
Total surface area: 3 256 ha
Soils: Kimméridgien
Exposure: South – South/East ; South – South/West
Grape variety: Chardonnay
The grapes are carefully harvested in order to preserve the quality of the fruit. They are sorted manually on a vibrating sorting table in order to retain only the most healthy fruit. The grapes are drained naturally before being pressed using a pneumatic press in order to gently extract the juices and conserve as much aroma as possible. Static cold settling of the musts for 12 to 24 hours in stainless steel vats in order to obtain a bright, clear juice. Alcoholic fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation, both natural, in stainless steel vats. 8 to 10 months in stainless steel vats in order to preserve freshness and minerality. The wine is racked twice before being bottled at the end of Spring.
The 2019 vintage saw extreme climatic conditions ranging from frosts to heatwaves but is very promising indeed. The mild winter temperatures, particularly in February, woke up the vegetation. The growing cycle was then interrupted by a cold spell in spring (14 April) which slowed down the development of the vines. Bud burst began in mid-April and the first flowers appeared around the 11 June. Summer was very warm and sunny and veraison took place in early August. In spite of the climatic variations, the vines did not suffer and were in perfect health. The harvest took place in glorious sunny weather. 2019 has produced fresh, rich and beautifully ripe wines with good concentration without any loss of acidity on the palate. Excellent cellaring potential.
Beautiful white gold hue with delicate pale green glimmers. A seductive and very classic Chablis nose offering vine peach, banana, citrus fruits and brioche. The palate is well-balanced, rich, fresh and elegant. Ripe fruits combine harmoniously with mineral notes to give a soft mouthfeel. A fine example of unoaked Chablis.
Red tuna tartare, baked salmon parcels, crab.
10°C to 12 °C
DECANTER, OCTOBER 2020, SCORE: 92
Billaud-Simon, under the guidance of Olivier Bailly, is a highly consistent producer of classic Chablis. Cool and crisp, there is concentration here allied to vibrant acidity on the palate. A benchmark Chablis which combines a more modern fruit character with the structure of wines from the past. Great length and lots of finesse here. Drink 2021-2027
BURGHOUND, NOVEMBER 2020, SCORE: 89
Here there is better Chablis character on the more white fruit-inflected aromas of sea breeze and iodine. The succulent, round and delicious medium weight flavors possess a beguiling texture as well as notably better depth and persistence. Note that this well-made effort could easily be enjoyed young. Drink 2023+JASPER MORRIS MW, DECEMBER 2020, SCORE: 88
In bottle. This blend of domaine and purchased fruit has been made predominantly in stainless steel, There is a touch of sulphur reduction, which only enhances the crustacean effect. Ripe, but well short of any overt peachinesss, a very classic wine, which will please. 4 stars.
Chablis
100% Chardonnay
Cork
13%
Yes
Yes
