Samuel Billaud, a sixth-generation winemaker, previously worked at his family domaine, Billaud-Simon, for 30 years. In 2014, the family estate was divided when his uncle chose to sell the majority to Faiveley. Keeping four hectares of vineyard plots, Samuel established his own domaine, Domaine Samuel Billaud, and began leasing additional vineyards. Despite the challenges during this transition, his wines have become some of the finest in Chablis.
Billaud currently manages 10 hectares of leased vines, in addition to his own, all cultivated under organic farming practices—though he chooses not to pursue certification. He collaborates with growers who also adhere to organic or lutte raisonnèe methods.
During a recent event in London, Samuel and his son Jules, who studies viticulture in Beaune, showcased the 2024 vintage, a year complicated by frost, hail, and mildew, resulting in a production reduced by half. The wines are aged primarily in stainless steel (80%) and barrels (20%), with variations for premier and grand crus.
The tasting revealed the quality of the 2024 wines:
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Samuel Billaud Petit Chablis 2024: This wine is lively and mineral with impressive depth. 94/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 2024: Stony and precise with bright lime fruit and vivid acidity. 94/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Montmains 2024: Focused lemon and lime fruit with nice tension. 95/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Les Fourneaux 2024: Bright acidity with hints of cream and crystalline lemon. 95/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Vaillons Vieilles Vignes 2024: Mineral with salinity and a long finish. 96/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2024: Harmonious and textural with bold citrus. 96/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonerre 2024: A blend of tropical and citrus notes with a balanced finish. 94/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes 2024: Fresh and mineral with good concentration. 96/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2024: Concentrated and powerful with complex fruit and a hint of spice. 97/100
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Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots 2024: Aromatic and mineral with refined citrus notes. 96/100
In addition to the 2024 vintages, Billaud presented earlier bottled wines, showcasing their evolving character, such as the Samuel Billaud Chablis Grand Cru Vaudesir 2015, notable for its balance and complexity. The tasting reaffirmed Samuel Billaud’s commitment to quality and tradition in winemaking, despite the challenges he faced in recent years.