Domaine Blain-Gagnard is tucked into a little corner of Chassagne-Montrachet, surrounded by other offshoots of the Gagnard family. The domaine was formed in 1980 when Jean-Marc Blain – who hails from Sancerre – married Claudine Gagnard, of the Domaine Gagnard-Delagrange family – a name that’s certainly been here since the Revolution – see a schematic below! Jean-Marc and Claudine met while studying oenology together at the University of Dijon.
The domaine has about 8 hectares of vines with 4 villages represented. By surface area the domaine is about 60% white wine, so nearer 70% by the volume of wine that is produced. There are 4 premier crus and three grand crus – including Criots, Bâtard and Le Montrachet.
Jean-Marc employs great intricacy in his winemaking: subtle tweaks to the process such as his discerning selection of coopers and the wood they use, and mixing wines from vines of different ages helps create a series of excellent wines. Jean-Marc uses around 15% new barrels for his premier cru and lesser wines, while the grand crus are afforded 30% new Alliers oak.
94 Points Allen Meadows
There is just enough wood and menthol elements present to be worth noting surrounding the citrusy apple, pear and exotic tea-scented nose. The bigger, richer and more sophisticated medium weight plus flavors possess evident power as well as a lovely sappiness that coats the palate on the delicious, highly complex and strikingly long finale. Like the Bâtard, this beauty is built for the long haul though it could actually be approachable after only 7 to 8 years. In brief, this is extremely promising.