Wine Advisor
Fontaine Gagnard, Criots Batard Montrachet Grand Cru 2020
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2020 Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru, matured in around 40% new oak, has quite an intense bouquet: orange pith, grilled hazelnut and walnut, just a hint of spice. It will require time for the wood to fully integrate. The palate is rounded in texture with light tropical notes, passion fruit and pineapple counterbalanced by a fine line of acidity. Just misses a little tension on the finish, but otherwise this is very fine.
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
