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.
92 Points Allen Meadows
A very mild hint of sulfur still allows the ripe yellow orchard fruit, mineral notes and soft floral hints to shine. The rich, intense, full-bodied and driving medium-bodied flavors possess an abundance of acid-buffering extract that also confers a seductive texture to the strikingly persistent finish.
