Wine Advisor
Jean Noel Gagnard, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Caillerets 2021
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2021 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Caillerets 1er Cru has a delicate, perfumed bouquet with a mixture of red apple, yellow plum and light walnut scents, becoming more floral as it opens in the glass. The palate is rounded on the entry with brioche and almond notes. The oak (25% new) is well integrated, with a touch of stem ginger that comes through on the finish, a tingle on the aftertaste. Not a long-term proposition but well crafted.
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.
