2008 Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge, Cuvée L'Estimée, Jean-Noel Gagnard

Since 1989 this particular domaine has been run by Jean-Noel Gagnard’s daughter Caroline l’Estimé. She decided to make a red Chassagne-Montrachet that avoided the tough tannins that can sometimes affect this appellation, preferring to concentrate on the quality of the fruit more than on the structure of the wine. It is blended together from six separate plots of vines across the village.

Cuvée l’Estimée is a play on Caroline’s own name and the concept of a wine which is worthy of esteem. It is usually bottled after one year’s barrel ageing.

Fine middling deep colour. Lovely plump fruit on the nose, a cherry fragrance sitting on top of a plumy core. Quite dense on the palate, with a little touch of black fruit seasoned with pepper. A succulent red burgundy for the medium term.
(Jasper Morris MW, BBR Buyer)