Billaud-Simon Chablis 1er Cru, Mont de Milieu, 2016

Domaine Billaud-Simon, located in the heart of Chablis, Burgundy, is one of the region's most respected producers. Producing world class Chablis since 1815, the estate extends over some 17 hectares of vineyards, including some of the best parcels in Chablis, notably vineyards classified as Premiers Crus and Grands Crus. Domaine Billaud-Simon is home to four prestigious Grands Crus : Les Clos, Vaudésir, Les Preuses, and Les Blanchots alongside four distinguished Premiers Crus: Montée de Tonnerre, Fourchaume, Mont de Milieu, and Les Vaillons. Beyond these celebrated crus, the Domaine also cultivates select plots of Village-level vines, carefully chosen each year to craft their Chablis "Tête d’Or." 

Founded over two centuries ago by Charles Louis Noël Billaud, Domaine Billaud-Simon has been a cornerstone of the Chablis wine region, continuously influencing its winemaking traditions and reputation. As one of the pioneers in exporting Chablis wines to the United States in the early 1950s, Billaud-Simon played a crucial role in introducing the world to the distinct, mineral-driven wines of this northern Burgundy region.

At the heart of Billaud-Simon's philosophy is a commitment to crafting Chablis that exemplifies finesse, purity, and elegance. Their wines are renowned for their crisp, mineral characteristics, which are hallmarks of the unique Kimmeridgian soil found in Chablis. While these wines are delightful in their youth, showcasing vibrant acidity and fresh fruit, they also possess remarkable aging potential. Particularly in their Grand Cru offerings, the wines develop an impressive depth and complexity over time, with the ability to evolve gracefully in the bottle for at least a decade.

Domaine Billaud-Simon’s Chablis wines are a testament to the sophisticated balance of modern winemaking with the pure expression of Chardonnay fruit. Each bottle reflects the precision and care that go into maintaining the region's rich winemaking heritage, while also pushing the boundaries of what Chablis can be. Whether enjoyed young for their bright, refreshing character or aged for their nuanced richness, Billaud-Simon’s wines remain exemplary representations of the modern style of Chablis, offering wine enthusiasts a truly refined experience.

Billaud-Simon Chablis 1er Cru "Mont de Milieu" is a dry, mineral white wine made mainly from Chardonnay grapes. The Chablis terroir, characterized by soils rich in limestone and marine fossils, gives the wine distinct aromas of gunflint, lemon and green apple, with a touch of salinity. This wine is distinguished by its pale, golden color and elegant bouquet of white fruit aromas, such as pear and apple, enhanced by floral notes, citrus zest and a subtle touch of gunflint.

The 2016 Billaud-Simon wine has the same color as the 2015 vintage, this wine has a brilliant, pale yellow color with green highlights. On the nose, it offers a fresh, elegant aromatic palette, dominated by citrus notes such as lemon and grapefruit, accompanied by floral nuances of white flowers and a touch of apple. 

"Pale gold in color. To the nose, the full extent of its aromatic potential is not instantly apparent. It needs a little airing. This is a wine with good aging potential ( or sometimes up to 10 years). Each Climat has its own typicity, depending on soil and exposure. The wines are well-built and long in the mouth. The Chablis Premier Cru wines beguile the palate, whether mineral and tight in their youth or flowery and developing delicate and subtle aromas with age." - The Bourgogne Wine Board

"Beautiful white gold hue with delicate pale green glimmers. A seductive and very classic Chablis nose offering vine peach, banana, citrus fruits and brioche. The palate is well-balanced, rich, fresh and elegant. The smooth, rich structure lingers on the palate. Ripe fruits combine harmoniously with mineral notes to give a soft mouthfeel."  - The Winemaker's Notes