Domaine Blain Gagnard - Burgundy 2006 En Primeur

Jean-Marc Blain thinks of 2006 as a charming, floral vintage, in the style of 1997 for its tenderness and 2001 with its finesse and minerality. He also considers it a terroir transparent vintage like 2004. His intention as ever, is to bottle early to maintain freshness and there is no doubt that these wines will be lovely in their youth. Once again, it was the Caillerets that impressed us most and with Jean-Marc’s ever fair approach to pricing, these will be deservedly popular.

All prices are quoted Duty Paid (DP) unless otherwise stated

An elegant, floral nose with a palate exhibiting racy acidity and an interplay of ripe lemon fruit and macadamia. Textbook Chassagne. Drink from release.

(from a mix of young vine 1er and villages fruit). A very ripe yet fresh nose is dominated by mostly yellow orchard fruit aromas that merge into very rich, full and nicely complex flavors that possess a generous midpalate and a hint of finishing warmth. This is delicious and already approachable. now+ - 88 points, Allen Meadows Burghound

Fresh, direct and lively with more minerality, great depth and a gentle waxiness that shows the step up to 1er cru. Another wine of elegance and finesse and hard to resist drinking now. Drink from 2009.

The aromatic profile is superbly elegant with its pure nose of white flower, lemon rind and hint of rosemary that merges into rich, full and racy flavors that possess obvious minerality, all delivered with outstanding intensity and obvious class together with that lovely quality of underlying tension. This is arguably the most refined vineyard in all of Chassagne and this ’06 certainly upholds admirably that argument. 2010+ - 91 points, Allen Meadows Burghound

Floral perfumes once more with the addition of ripe pearskins and a little cinnamon spice. Zippy and delectable, there is noticeable depth here from the 55 year-old vines. Drink from release.

(from Le Rue au Vache). Despite its humble villages status, this is distinctly more elegant with a layered, lacy and airy white flower and green fruit nose that complements the equally pure and refined flavors that possess fine detail on the stylish, indeed classy finish. This is lovely for what it is and recommended. 2009+ - 89 points, Allen Meadows Burghound

Very impressive, the Criots is a secret weapon in the Blain-Gagnard armoury and rather like a stealth aircraft, it always has an element of surprise. The nose gives very little away but the palate explodes into life with a full range of grapefruit, ginger, spices and stonefruits and tremendous energy. Drink from 2010.

A quiet, subtle Bâtard is a rare thing. This cuvée shows the trademark extra volume, density and scale of this vineyard but for the moment without the exuberance. This is currently rather tightly wound but like a coiled spring its moment will surely come and patience is the only extra ingredient needed. Drink from 2011.

A stately wine of poise and nobility, this is very silky and discreet but with beautiful definition and balance. The length is quite brilliant and the overall sense is of effortless superiority. Jean-Marc puts this all into one big old barrel to minimize the wood influence. Drink from 2012.

Price per case in bond £950 per 6 (by allocation only) - SOLD OUT

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