Billaud-Simon Chablis 1er Cru Les Vaillons

Vaillons is derived from the term "vallon" means small valley. Bright, clear hue wuth attractive golden tingles. This 1er cru offers remarkable aromatic complexity with aroma of ripe citrus and white flowers. The palate is round and seductive with a lively attack. Excellent length and a refined aromatic persistency combining fruity notes and a delicate acidity. Pleasant sensation of freshness.

Winemaker notes

Bright, clear hue with attractive golden tinges. This 1er Cru offers remarkable aromatic complexity with aromas of ripe citrus and white owers. The palate is round and seductive with a lively attack. Excellent length and a refined aromatic persistency combining fruity notes and a delicate acidity. Pleasant sensation of freshness.

2021

Burghound 90-92: A whisper of white pepper lurks in the background of the aromas of oyster shell, citrus and mineral reduction. There is again excellent delineation to the markedly punchy and stony middleweight flavors that possess a cuts-like-a-knife, dry and linear finish. I quite like this this and though it too needs more depth, a few years of keeping should address that.

2022

Burghound 90-93♥: An overtly floral-suffused nose reflects notes of sea breeze, zest confit and a whiff of white pepper. There is notably better refinement if not necessarily better density to the beautifully textured medium-bodied flavors that possess even better depth on the lightly austere, structured and lingering finale. While it should repay a decade or so of keeping, it should also be reasonably approachable after only 4 to 5 years.

Decanter 91: Plenty of ripe sunny fruit here. Crisp acidity, lovely purity, one for relatively early drinking. Salty edge to finish. From six plots spread across Vaillons, harvested at separate times. Fermented individually, blended in August, then aged for several months.