The Billaud Simon Chablis 1er Cru Montée de Tonnerre 2023 represents a quintessential expression of this esteemed Premier Cru climat. Montée de Tonnerre is widely regarded as one of Chablis's most profound Premier Crus, often cited for its Grand Cru-like complexity and longevity. Its south-easterly exposition and deep Kimmeridgian marl soils, rich in fossilised oyster shells, impart a distinctive minerality and saline character to the Chardonnay.
Billaud Simon, a venerable estate with a long history in Chablis, is celebrated for its commitment to traditional winemaking, prioritising purity of fruit and a clear articulation of terroir. The 2023 vintage in Chablis, characterised by a warm growing season, yielded grapes of excellent ripeness while maintaining the region's hallmark acidity. This wine is typically fermented and aged in stainless steel to preserve its crispness and mineral focus, though a judicious use of older oak for a portion of the blend is not uncommon for added texture and complexity, depending on the producer's philosophy.
This 75cl bottling offers a superb opportunity to explore a benchmark Chablis Premier Cru, destined for graceful evolution over several years.
Tasting notes
The 2023 Montée de Tonnerre from Billaud Simon presents a luminous pale gold in the glass. The nose is immediately captivating, offering a complex bouquet of fresh lemon zest, green apple, and white floral notes, underpinned by a profound minerality reminiscent of wet stone and oyster shell. On the palate, it is precise and vibrant, with a taut acidity that frames a core of ripe citrus and orchard fruit. The characteristic saline edge of Montée de Tonnerre is evident, leading to a long, focused finish that echoes with flinty minerality and a subtle creaminess. This is a wine of exceptional balance and structure, promising significant development with bottle age.