2022, Domaine Samuel Billaud, CHABLIS, 1er Cru, 'Les Fourneaux'The 2022 Chablis Les Fourneaux 1er Cru is matured in stainless steel only. This is one of Billaud's most unapologetically austere wines on the nose, a touch of wet limestone and flint, quite Zen like. The poised and penetrating palate is citric with a superb line of acidity and a steely and persistent finish. This is another "live wire". 91 93 Neal Martin, Vinous (2023). The 2022 Chablis 1er Cru Fourneaux is showing particularly well, opening in the

softly flexing with a salty minerality and unmistakable signature

beautifully balanced

it's unusually rich and broad for the vintage

The wine is considerably lighter in terms of mouthfeel

gentle grip with quite a complex

and sandalwood-inspired scents

but I am certain this will age exceptionally well as Lafite always does

it's not trying too hard but delivered with poise

The palate is beautifully balanced with a fine bead of acidity

Most importantly

crunchy black fruits and tantalising floral and mineral sparks

Tannins are perfectly integrated