Wine Advisor
Fontaine Gagnard, Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2015 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru maybe does not quite possess the same precision as the Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet at the moment. There is a hint of wild mint that develops with time, some dried orange peel, even a light touch of fennel. The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly viscous opening, more cohesion with a dab of ginger towards the finish that just needs more persistence. This is a very commendable Bâtard-Montrachet, although my preference is with the Criots this year.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2014 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a touch more gumption on the nose compared to the Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet with scents of citrus lemon, linden and cold granite, beautifully focused and very intense. The palate is long and tender in the mouth, certainly spicier and more extrovert than the Criot with a bravura finish that lingers long in the mouth. This is just a superb Bâtard-Montrachet from the domaine, one of the best of the vintage.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Bright lemon-yellow color. Ripe yellow fruits, mirabelle, spices, menthol and sexy oak tones on the rather restrained nose. Big, rich and full but with a light touch thanks to its lemony acidity and underlying smoky minerality. Conveys an impression of power but its baby fat also gives it a silky texture. Best today on the explosive, steadily mounting finish. Incidentally, Richard Fontaine assured me that 2008 was the last vintage here to show problems with premature oxidation, noting that he is now using higher-quality corks.
About the Producer
Laurence Gagnard and Richard Fontaine founded the domaine in 1985 with passion and enthusiasm; their daughter Céline joined the estate in 2007. The family has worked in the vineyards for several centuries, and the domaine carries on this legacy - love of the "terroir" and the search for the best possible quality. Domaine Fontaine-Gagnard works on 22 different appellations, including three Grands Crus: Bâtard-Montrachet, Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet and the crown jewel, Le Montrachet. The estate covers 12 hectares mainly in Chassagne and the winemaking methods are traditional: hand-picking, settling fermentation using natural yeasts, ageing in oak barrels (0 to 30% new oak, depending on the appellation), fining and light filtration. The white wines are bottled after one year of maturation; red wines stay in the barrel for up to 18 months, depending on the vintage. "Fontaine-Gagnard is a Chassagne domaine that has really upped the ante in recent vintages since Celine Fontaine has taken the reins. This was a splendid showing of wines, one of the most comprehensive in Chassagne" Wine Advocate
