Wine Advisor
Fontaine Gagnard, Criots Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2015
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Tight and firm with depth and an almost steely character. Full and reserved, tangy and tight. A more timid Criots. Drink or hold.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2015 Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, which came in at around 13.5% alcohol, has a lovely nose with scents of lemon curd, apricot blossom and cold limestone, a touch of mango emerging with time. The palate is extremely well balanced with a fine line of acidity. There is energy and tension here, tightening up towards the finish but still persistent in the mouth. This has great potential, a reserved Criots that should spread its wings once in bottle.
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
