2016 Chablis Les Sechets

The 2016 Chablis Séchet 1er Cru was picked at around 35hl/ha and matured in stainless steel for 18 months. It has a taut and linear bouquet with smoke and flint – classic Chablis aromas. The palate is very well defined with subtle orange rind and dried apricot notes, very pure and refined with a very harmonious finish that lingers in the mouth. A beautiful wine from Samuel Billaud.

The 2016 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet is showing very well from bottle, unfurling in the glass with classy aromas of lemon oil, dried white flowers and oatmeal. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, glossy and deep, with superb concentration and chewy extract, framed by tangy acids. It's taut, pure and very classic in profile, and to my palate it's the finest of Billaud's 2016 premiers crus.

(these southwest-facing vines in the more minerally section of the Vaillons valley are between 75 and 80 years of age, according to Billaud): Slightly cloudy medium yellow. Pungent aromas of sour lemon and crushed stone complicated by mint, flowers and fresh herbs. Broad, spicy and serious, conveying terrific intensity to its fresh citrus and crushed rock flavors; offers a lovely balance of sweet and saline. The firm structure is informed by mineral verve and the long, vibrant finish stains the palate. The yield here was 35 hectoliters per hectare, which Billaud described as "not bad for old vines," noting that there was no hail or frost here. A terrific premier cru in the making.