The 2018 Billaud-Simon Chablis Tête d'Or is a Chardonnay from the renowned Chablis region in Burgundy, France. This white wine, produced by Billaud-Simon, stands out for its balanced profile and intriguing characteristics. With an alcohol content of 12.5%, it is closed with a traditional cork.
Vinous reviewer Neal Martin awarded the wine a score of 91, noting its "slightly musky, nutty bouquet" which he found more intriguing than other Chablis Village wines. Martin appreciated the wine's balance, highlighting flavors of lemon and lime with a touch of bitterness on the entry. He also commended its edginess and the bite on the saline finish, concluding his review with a succinct, "Excellent."
Wine Enthusiast's Anne Krebiehl MW rated the wine slightly higher with a score of 92. She identified a "subtle, flinty note of reduction" on the nose, which she found appetizing. Krebiehl noted that the palate offers unexpected juiciness and ripeness, which she attributes to the hot summer of 2018. The wine's leesy, chalky texture lends a coolness that anchors its freshness, leading to a finish that she describes as having "more lovely chalkiness."
Both reviews highlight the wine's complexity and balance, with Martin focusing on its edginess and Krebiehl on its freshness and texture. The 2018 vintage appears to have benefited from the hot summer, contributing to its ripe and juicy palate.
In summary, the 2018 Billaud-Simon Chablis Tête d'Or is a well-regarded Chardonnay with a unique bouquet and a balanced palate. Its flavors of lemon, lime, and chalky texture make it a notable choice for those who appreciate a complex and refreshing white wine from the Chablis region.