Wine Advisor
Jean Noel Gagnard, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2019
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru has the most backward nose of the domaine’s Premier Cru. Les Caillerets demands the most coaxing, opening almost reluctantly with crushed rock, pressed yellow flowers and lemon verbena scents. The palate is taut and linear, very fresh and focused. The propitious terroir really shows though here, with a brisk and lightly spiced, complex finish. Very persistent in the mouth, this is a superb showing that may warrant a higher score in the future.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru has the most backward nose of the domaine’s Premier Cru. Les Caillerets demands the most coaxing, opening almost reluctantly with crushed rock, pressed yellow flowers and lemon verbena scents. The palate is taut and linear, very fresh and focused. The propitious terroir really shows though here, with a brisk and lightly spiced, complex finish. Very persistent in the mouth, this is a superb showing that may warrant a higher score in the future.
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.
