Billaud/Samuel Chablis 1er cru Montée de Tonnerre 2019

91-94 points/’Sweet spot/Outstanding,’ Allen Meadows (Burghound): “(from a .45 ha holding in both Montée de Tonnerre proper and Chapelot). Moderate but not invasive oak frames the elegant, airy and quite pretty aromas of white flowers, various citrus and oyster shell wisps. There is excellent intensity to the overtly mineral-driven middle weight flavors that flash very good cut on the sneaky long, lemony and solidly dry and firm finale. This lovely effort is a relatively classic MdT and should age accordingly. Drink: 2027+. (Nov 2020)”

93+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): “The 2019 Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre is excellent, unwinding in the glass with scents of citrus zest, white flowers, wet stones, crushed chalk and iodine. Medium to full-bodied, layered and concentrated, it’s intense and tightly wound, with a racy spine of acidity and chalky grip. Concluding with a long, penetrating finish, this is another wine from Billaud that will merit and reward some patience. Drink: 2025-2045. (Aug 2021)”

93 points Andy Howard, MW (Decanter): “Wholly owned by leading producer Samuel Billaud, this is a fine expression of the benchmark Montée de Tonnerre Premier Cru. Elegant yet relatively forward, this shows a great combination of purity, depth and classic terroir stony notes. 20% oak adds to the complexity on the palate. Drinking Window: 2022-2028. (Oct 2020)”