Wine Advisor
Fontaine Gagnard, Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2020
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru conveys more tension and mineralité on the nose than the Criots, very well defined with wet limestone mixed with citrus fruit and apple blossom. The palate is medium-bodied with fine delineation, taut and fresh with a saline finish that has a lovely edginess. With great persistent and poise, this is a very impressive Bâtard-Montrachet.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2020 Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru has a finely detailed bouquet, wonderful mineralité and tension. A touch of linden mixes with crushed rock/flint. The palate is fresh and vibrant. The acidity has a citric quality to it, and it is focused. While not the most powerful Bâtard-Montrachet, it conveys detail and precision. Sapid on the finish, if you are looking for an elegant Grand Cru then this fits the bill. Tasted blind at the annual Burgfest tasting.
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
