2018 Chablis Les Sechets
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Chablis Séchet Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru has a pretty nose that is more complex and terroir-driven than its peers in this flight. Touches of beeswax and struck flint emerge with time. The palate is balanced with a lightly spiced entry and with a harmonious, saline finish. Excellent. Tasted blind at the Burgfest 2018 white tasting.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chablis Séchet Vieilles Vignes 1er Cru comes from 0.60ha of 80-year-old vines and spends 18 months on the fine lees. It bides its time in the glass. Discreet at first, it gradually unfurls to reveal quite intense marine aromas of shucked oyster shells and sea cave. This is very well defined but it clearly benefits from decanting. The palate is lively on the entry, presenting a lovely lick of salinity right from the start. Fine energy here, and great focus, with just a touch of spice coming through on the finish and aftertaste. A very fine Séchet from M. Billaud. Recommended.
The 2018 Chablis 1er Cru Séchet Vieilles Vignes is a worthy successor to the superb 2017 rendition, delivering aromas of crisp orchard fruit, crushed chalk, white flowers and fresh bread. Medium to full-bodied, layered and incisive, it's concentrated and penetrating, with racy acids and a long, chalky finish.
About the producer
Samuel Billaud started making wine under his own name in 2009, but he is one of the most experienced producers in Chablis, having made wine in the region since 1985.