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Domaine Bernard Defaix is a fourth-generation family estate with deep roots in the Chablis region. Their holdings in Montmains, one of the region's best-regarded Premier Cru sites, lie on Kimmeridgian clay-limestone soils and consistently produce wines of clarity and drive. The fruit is hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts. A portion of the wine is aged in older oak barrels, while the rest is aged in stainless steel, striking a balance between structure and freshness. Each vintage shows the signature Montmains profile: citrus peel, oyster shell, and green apple on the nose, followed by a palate that's taut, stony and long. There's no excess weight here, just a clear line from vineyard to glass. Bernard Defaix's Chablis has become a dependable name for those who seek Premier Cru quality without the complications. A wine to enjoy now or cellar for several years, particularly in stronger vintages. Serve it cool, alongside shellfish or roast chicken.

Product Description: Chablis precision from a master of terroir. The 2023 Chablis from Domaine Samuel Billaud is a compelling showcase of one of the region’s most meticulous winemakers. With vines averaging 40 years of age and rooted in classic Kimmeridgian marl, this wine blends fruit from three standout climats—Les Pargues, Cartes-Fontenottes, and Bas de Chapelot. The result is a Chardonnay that’s pure, mineral-laced, and finely structured. Harvested entirely by hand and gently pressed, the juice undergoes slow, cold fermentation followed by 12 months of lees ageing in stainless steel. There's minimal oak influence, letting the crystalline fruit and signature oyster shell salinity shine through. This is Chablis with sharp focus—unforced, unmasked, unmistakably expressive. Drink from 2025 through 2034. It’s in top form with oysters, white fish carpaccio or lightly grilled lobster. Decant briefly if drinking young to awaken the full depth. Maker Samuel Billaud is a winemaker renowned for his precision, mastery, and dedication to producing wines that authentically express the complexities of Chablis’ exceptional terroir. Located in the heart of Chablis, with cellars dating back to the 13th century, Samuel Billaud combines the region’s rich history with modern techniques to create wines of remarkable freshness, firm structure, and intense minerality. With a focus on quality, Samuel sources grapes from some of the finest plots in Chablis, including Grand Cru vineyards such as Bougros, Valmur, Les Preuses, and Blanchot, and Premier Cru sites like Les Furnaces. Through a meticulous approach to both vineyard management and winemaking, Samuel ensures that each vintage reveals the true character of the land, producing wines that are complex, precise, and balanced. The Vineyard At Samuel Billaud, the philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for Chablis’ terroir, with the goal of revealing each vineyard’s unique expression through careful and precise winemaking. The estate’s vineyards, with an average age of 40 years, are planted on the Kimmeridgian clay-limestone marl, a soil type that imparts the characteristic minerality and freshness for which Chablis is renowned. The vines are managed using sustainable practices such as disbudding and ploughing, which help preserve the purity of the Chablis terroir while promoting the healthy growth of the vines. Samuel’s sourcing strategy is equally focused on quality, building trusted relationships with local winegrowers to access the best grapes from the region’s most exceptional sites. In the winery, Samuel Billaud is committed to maintaining balance and complexity in every wine. Fermentation is carefully monitored, with a focus on using low-temperature settling and gentle pressing to preserve the delicate flavours of the grapes. For certain Premier Cru and Grand Cru wines, Samuel favours fermentation in 450-litre barrels to add complexity, allowing the wines to interact with the lees and oxygen for optimal balance. Aging on fine lees in large containers enables the wines to develop mineral tension and freshness. After maturation, the wines are transferred to stainless steel vats for several months to emphasise their crispness and vibrancy. Through this process, Samuel Billaud’s wines reveal the true richness, elegance, and potential of the Chablis terroirs, reflecting the delicate balance between tradition and innovation. Tasting Notes NOSE – Citrus and saline Bright grapefruit and lemon peel, backed by wet stone and oyster shell. PALATE – Clean and driven Precise white stone fruit and racy acidity, with a chalky, textural edge from fine lees. FINISH – Crisp and lasting Long, mineral finish with a delicate lift of citrus zest and subtle almond. Reviews & Accolades Pale colour. A very classic nose, not too pungently marine, with a depth of fruit, clean clear cut white fruit with a real crispness to finish. The lees work is exemplary. Drink from 2025-2028. – Jasper Morris, Inside Burgundy, 90–92 (June 2024) Finer Details: Style - White Wine Varietal - Chardonnay Country - France Region - Chablis Vintage - 2023 Bottle Size - 750ml ABV - 12.5% Closure - Cork