Wine Advisor
Fontaine Gagnard, Criots Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2014
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2014 Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru needed a little more encouragement from the glass compared to its Chassagne label-mates, but it's worth persevering as it unveils subtle white peach and fresh pear scents interlaced with minerals that are very come-hither. The palate is more giving with a bead of acidity piercing the energetic citrus fruit and then it fans out towards the second half with orange rind and hints of peach. Very harmonious and magically long, this is a great Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Totally different on the nose than the estate's premier crus in 2014, offering aromas of yellow plum, musky stone, gunflint and honey. Shows a honeyed, spicy sweetness in the middle palate but finishes with a dry edge. A second barrel was more reduced and in need of a racking. Hard to assess with confidence today but does not seem as good as the Caillerets or La Romanée.
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
