Comparing two 2015 Chablis: William Fèvre and Billaud-Simone
Overall, 2015 William Fèvre Chablis is taut, precise, mineral-driven style with crystalline purity and energy. 2015 Billaud Simone gives a slightly creamier and supple texture lingers on the end palate.
On Chablis stylistics. 2015 William Fevre Chablis is the more classic in our view, giving refined nose, developing citrus, white-fleshed fruit and floral notes with marked by quick mineral and a peppery finish that are typical of the appellation. 2015 Billaud Simone Chablis, on the other hand, gives green, stone and orange fruits: green apples, peaches, banana, and tangerines. With a soft texture(round and volume on the palate, biscuity on finish), 2015 Billaud Simone Chablis is 'dangerous' in blind tasting because it is easy to have mistaken it as from anywhere if you jump to conclusions on first nose and palate. Wait until the finish when the terroir character returns.
On similarities. These two basic Chablis, having benefited by the hotter 2015 vintage, are elegant classic Chablis. At the time of tasting, they are both mineral-fresh yet oily and soft. Fruit for the two Chablis is hand harvest, 100% stainless steel treated, several months ageing in bottle before release.
Both wines can be tasted at room temperature. Slightly chilled will be fine.
William Fevre is backed by the Champagne House Henriot house. So, winemaking is superb. Sourced from Blanchots for 2015, the Billaud-Simon Chablis is flexible in selecting from Chablis appellation's most okay communes. To us, Billaud Simone is always creative.
Let's face it. 2015 is no match for the 2014s. But 2015 a perfect vintage for the lower appellations, Petit Chablis and Chablis. So, Both these 2 Chablis are benefitted.
Scores from WS and Bourhound are reasonably high, for the class.
