Wine Advisor
Jean Noel Gagnard, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2014
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2014 Chassagne Montrachet 1Er Cru les Caillerets has a very detailed, stony, slightly austere bouquet that really articulates the limestone terroir with style. The palate is crisp and taut on the entry with wonderful salinity, very well balanced with a hint of peach and lime coming through on the finish. As I anticipated given this vineyard's performance at other domaines, this is one of the best premier crus from the domaine.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Lots of pie crust, ginger and candied lemon. Open. Dried apricot. Full and layered with so much fruit and intensity. Drink now.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Bright, pale yellow. Highly aromatic nose combines orange zest and crushed stone. The broadest of these 2014 samples but energized by mineral-driven acidity and a strong salty quality. Finishes firm-edged and long, with subtle orange-y sweetness and crushed-rock minerality.
About the Producer
Caroline Lestimé took over from her father, Jean-Noël, in 1989, though Domaine Jean-Noël Gagnard still retains his name. The estate’s modern reputation has very much been built by Caroline, who has made it her responsibility to develop the many expressions of Chassagne Montrachet terroirs across her range. There are 12 different Premiers Crus to choose from; some now carry their own identity, having previously been offered under the larger Morgeot appellation. She has bought more land in Chassagne when available and affordable, and there’s a very well-situated white wine vineyard in the Hautes-Côtes, sold under the L’Estimée brand. Some very attractive reds from Chassagne round off the range. The vineyards are all organic, now certified; Caroline plans to put that status on her labels from the 2019 vintage. In the winery A little perspective is always an asset with Caroline’s wines: it’s not her style to manipulate or force, and any perception of dumbness is always mitigated once in bottle. Caroline is always very attuned to her wines’ progress during élevage.