The 2022 Samuel Billaud Chablis Premier Cru “Fourneaux” is a stunning expression of Chardonnay from one of Chablis’ most respected producers. Samuel Billaud, renowned for his meticulous winemaking and dedication to terroir, consistently crafts wines that embody the purity, tension, and minerality that define the region. The “Fourneaux” Premier Cru vineyard, with its south-facing slopes and Kimmeridgian limestone soils, produces wines of both elegance and depth.

In the glass, this wine presents a bright pale gold hue. The nose is precise and layered, offering aromas of lemon zest, green apple, and white peach, accented by floral hints of acacia and a flinty, smoky minerality. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and finely balanced, with a lively acidity that lifts the vibrant citrus and orchard fruit flavors. A backbone of saline minerality and a touch of crushed stones add complexity, leading to a long, precise finish with lingering notes of chalk and citrus.

The 2022 vintage, characterized by warm and even ripening conditions, provides this wine with ripe fruit intensity while preserving the hallmark freshness and energy of Chablis. This Premier Cru pairs beautifully with oysters, seared scallops, or grilled fish with a citrus butter sauce. While approachable now for its vibrant fruit and crystalline structure, it has the potential to age gracefully over the next 8–10 years, developing greater complexity and nuance. Samuel Billaud’s “Fourneaux” is a benchmark for Chablis Premier Cru, offering both sophistication and a true sense of place.