Wine Advisor
Jean Noel Gagnard, Chassagne Montrachet 1er Cru Les Chaumees 2019
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2019 Chassagne-Montrachet Les Chaumées 1er Cru is richer on the nose compared to the Chenevottes with more tropical scents: pineapple, nectarine and hints of melted candle wax coming through with time. The palate is, again, quite rich and generous, slightly honeyed in texture, spicy with hints of marmalade towards the finish. Very fine, though personally I err towards the Les Chenevottes this year.
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.
