Samuel Billaud Chablis 1er Cru lieu-dit Sechet Vieilles Vignes 2022

“Samuel is one of the very finest producers in Chablis.”- Jasper Morris (Inside Burgundy)

“Made from 90 year old vines, the Séchets Vieilles Vignes is raised only in tank for18 months. Very backward indeed, and really concentrated. Exceptionally tight, a concentrated confit of lemons, nothing too opulent. This is still ridiculously young, but I am sure will emerge as a great wine when it wants to. The finish suggests lemon rinsed Granny Smith apples. ” - Jasper Morris - 5stars (One of the leading producers in its appellation or in the region as a whole.) 92-96

Decanter 95

About The Winery

Samuel Billaud comes from a long-established Chablis winemaking family with roots in the region going back to the early 19th century — the Billaud family had been producing Chablis since 1815 under the name Domaine Billaud-Simon. Samuel himself is considered part of the sixth generation of that family tradition.  Samuel’s early education came through working on the family estate from a young age, learning directly in the vineyards and cellar long before founding his own Domaine. His son Jules has also been involved in learning the winemaking trade, studying at the viticultural lycée in Beaune.

After nearly 30 years of experience working at the family estate, where he was the head winemaker and trained under his grandfather and then ran production from the early 1990s onward, Samuel chose to start his own domaine in 2009/2010.

In 2014, after extended legal and family negotiations, most of Domaine Billaud-Simon was sold to Faiveley. Samuel received about 4 hectares of the original vineyards as his share of the estate, which became the foundation of his own winemaking project and the launch of his independent wine label in Chablis, separate from Domaine Billaud-Simon.

Today his holdings include roughly 4 ha of owned vines plus around 10 ha farmed under contract, planted across a range of Chablis appellations — from Petit Chablis and Chablis to Premier Crus (Séchet, Mont de Milieu, Montée de Tonnerre, etc.) and Grand Cru sites such as Bougros and Blanchots.

Vinification

In the cellar, Samuel’s approach is thoughtful and precise. He makes wines by individual plots, which helps preserve site identity, and uses a combination of stainless steel and oak for élevage. Typical practice is that Village and basic Chablis sees mainly steel, while Premier and Grand Crus use a larger proportion of oak (often 500-litre barrels) alongside steel.

On the nose, this Premier Cru reveals refined aromas of lemon zest, green apple, white flowers, and subtle citrus blossom, layered with flinty mineral notes and hints of chalk. The palate is crisp, focused, and beautifully balanced, offering flavors of citrus, pear, and saline minerality supported by lively acidity and a creamy texture. The finish is long, elegant, and refreshing, leaving lingering impressions of fruit and mineral purity.

Best served well chilled, Samuel Billaud Chablis Premier Cru Sechet Vieilles Vignes pairs wonderfully with oysters, shellfish, grilled fish, sushi, and creamy seafood dishes. Its vibrant acidity and depth also make it a sophisticated choice for refined aperitifs and special dining occasions.

Whether you’re enjoying a crisp lunch in Jumeirah Beach Residence Dubai or hosting an elegant dinner in Al Raha Gardens Abu Dhabi, Samuel Billaud Chablis Premier Cru Sechet Vieilles Vignes 2022 is a standout choice. With CityDrinks, the UAE’s leading online liquor store, you can have this elegant Premier Cru delivered straight to your door in just two hours.