Billaud/Samuel Chablis 1er cru Mont de Milieu 2021

93-95 points Jasper Morris, MW (Inside Burgundy): "Made from the usual three sectors, at a yield of 15-20 hl/ha, with 20% barrel. A slightly paler colour with discreet bouquet. Excellent tension, a pure white apple and fresh pear fruit, really precise here while maintaining complexity, really very persistent. Beautifully mineral finish, really very fine. Drink from 2025-2032. (Jun 2022)"

94 points Christy Canterbury, MW (TimAtkin.com): "Samuel says this is a 'true Mont de Milieu' because the fruit comes from each of the levels of this large Premier Cru that doesn't have sub-zones. There is good substance here with the rounded fruit core leashed in by a waterfall of acidity. Citrus in all forms – pulp, pith and zest – abounds along with a more savory, celery-like undertone. The concentrated finish is lengthy and moreish. (2023)"

94 points La Revue du Vin de France: "Mont de Milieu smells of stone powder and star anise. Crystal-clear, very pure and nuanced, its lovely juice stretches over notes of lime. (2024)"

92-94 points/'Sweet Spot/Outstanding,' Allen Meadows (Burghound): "(from a .58 ha holding). As is often the case with Mont de Milieu there is a suggestion of the exotic lurking in the background of the naturally spicy aromas of tidal pool, citrus confit and shellfish. There is once again outstanding density and volume to the powerful middleweight plus flavors that brim with dry extract that also serves to buffer the firm acid spine shaping the stony, highly complex and bitter lemon-suffused finish. This is really quite impressive and like rolling tiny rocks around in the mouth! Drink: 2031+. (Oct 2022)"

92-94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2021 Chablis Mont de Milieu 1er Cru is matured 80% in stainless steel and 20% in barrels for 12 months whereupon it is blended and raised for another six months. This has one of the more austere and backward bouquets from Billaud this year - one for hardcore Chablis-lovers. The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity, austere and linear, very saline - a serious Chablis that should only be consumed with a large plate of seafood. Drink: 2024-2040. (Sep 2022)"