Fontaine Gagnard - Burgundy 2006 En Primeur wines

Richard Fontaine started harvesting on 19th Sept and was surprised by the high potential alcohol in the whites. Aware of this more exuberant side, he has tamed the potential excesses of the vintage brilliantly and likens the vintage to a marriage of 2001 and 2002 with the maturity of the fruit that he had in 2001 plus the acidity and purity of 2002. He finds the wines have great range and definition and for our part, we are happy to see that once again, Richard has comfortably outperformed the field.

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Ripe and glossy, full of pear, banana and a little oily perfume. The palate shows more minerality and vitality and admirable length at this level. This is already drinking extremely well. Drink from release.

(from a .25 ha parcel situated in Chassagne). A fresh, ripe and expressive nose of earthy chardonnay fruit that also has an herbal note leads to relatively elegant flavors for this level and fine punch on the fruity and citrus-infused finish. drink now - 85 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Accessible, friendly attack but a tight, pure and mineral mid-palate. A correcting austerity on the finish and the fine bead of acidity that runs through the wine reminds you instantly that you are in Chassagne. Taut structure but with rich fruit, a classic example. Drink from release.

A pungent nose of herb, resin and orange peel notes complements rich, full, forward and generous flavors that possess good mid-palate fat and enough extract to confer a seductive mouth feel on the otherwise straight forward and frank finish. This is delicious and if not elegant, it’s not rustic either. 2009+ - 88 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

A prominent vineyard in the centre of the village, next to the Church, Maltroie is a very complete wine and this was an exceptional showing. Stonefruits, orange blossoms and a fragrant honey on the nose with the depth of old vines really showing on the palate. There is a delicate spiciness which just adds more character and although there is clearly more flesh and weight, the acidity keeps everything in check and ensures a crisp, clean finish. The final notes of ripe peach and crème caramel bring you back for more. Richard confesses that he has a particular weakness for this wine this year. Drink from 2009.

An expressive yellow orchard fruit nose also displays touches of crushed herb and citrus peel that can also be found on the notably forward, very rich, generous and sweet flavors that possess ample amounts of dry extract that completely buffer the underlying acidity. This will drink well almost immediately. 2009+ - 89 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Intense notes of apricot with a little more density and richness, the Clos des Murées is always a riper cuvée with plenty of expression and this is no exception to the rule. Driven minerality. Drink from 2009.

(a monopole of the Domaine). This, and the Criots, always seem to be among the ripest wines in the Fontaine range and 2006 is no exception with its moderately exotic nose that includes very ripe orchard fruit, floral notes and hints of papaya and pineapple that are also picked up by the very generous and equally opulent medium-bodied flavors that possess a slightly firmer acid spine that confers a dryer character to the finish as well as a bit more energy. Again, this isn’t really my style but the quality is here. 2010+ - 91 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

A soft wine showing notes of white peach and quince. Expressive aromatically but less physically assertive, this is a wine where elegance and finesse are more valued but there is certainly no loss of direction for that. Pure and refined. Drink from 2009.

This is also very ripe yet it retains a bit more aromatic freshness with lovely citrus blossom notes adding elegance to the mostly peach and apricot aromas trimmed in almost invisible wood toast that are followed by textured, pure, delineated and mouth coating flavors that possess both a lovely purity and excellent vibrancy. While certainly ripe, this is more classic in style and mouth feel. 2010+ - 91 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

A very distinguished wine, the Caillerets opens with pear, quince and peach with a subtle cinnamon and white pepper note. Complete and harmonious, this has lovely textures, a raciness and an extra gear. Drink from 2010.

As it usually is, this is the mostly elegant wine among this extended group of Chassagne 1ers with a beguiling blend of white flower, lemon, peach and pear before dissolving into rich, full and fresh flavors built on a base of firm minerality and plenty of mid-palate fat, all wrapped in a delicious, stylish and classy finish. 2011+ - 91 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

Price per case DP £437.67 - add to basket

Grand and sturdy, the predominant notes of Mirabelle plums, white pepper and stem ginger make for an enticing ensemble. This is dense and voluminous. Drink from 2010.

Price per case DP £464.40 - SOLD OUT

Another cracking Criots from Richard, which is becoming something of a habit. Ripe peaches and apricots feature once more but with a limey acidity and a biscuity warmth on the palate. A fascinating wine, full of depth and character and with a flowing, effortless style. Drink from 2011.

Price per case in bond £375.00 per 6 - SOLD OUT

Pineapple and banana notes on the nose suggest a wine of exotic ripeness but Richard has applied the reins at the right moment, hauling back the natural exuberance of Bâtard by maintaining the vital fresh acidity and thus the wine’s balance. Never a wine for the meek, this is white burgundy at its most confident. Drink from 2011.

Price per case in bond £395.00 per 6 - SOLD OUT

Dynamic and full, this is Montrachet in a big, ripe style but with lively, fresh acidity and its quintessential nobility intact. Notes of toffee and butterscotch show the natural richness but with no new oak used this is all from within rather than an additional extra. The waves of flavour on the finish again give the game away that we are dealing at the highest levels. Drink from 2012.

Price per case DP £1561.27 per 6 - SOLD OUT

A red fruit dominated nose but with gaminess just peeking through, this is a silky Volnay that moves freely on the palate, in a lithe, fruit-driven and gentle style. Never heavy or ponderous, a licquorice nose appears too, bringing with it a sense of layered complexity that will emerge with a little time in bottle. Drink from 2010.

In contrast to the expressiveness of the prior wines, this is actually quite reticent aromatically with reluctant notes of very fresh if discreet red berry fruit that complement well the delicious, stylish and pure middle weight flavors that possess an attractive texture on the dusty and mineral-laden finish. I really like the balance here and this is good enough to merit a look. 2011+ - 89 points, Allen Meadow's Burghound

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