Domaine Blain Gagnard Puligny Montrachet 2021

Domaine Blain Gagnard Puligny Montrachet 2021

Domaine Blain-Gagnard was formed when Jean-Marc Blain married Claudine Gagnard, daughter of Jacques and Josèphe Gagnard and granddaughter of Edmond Delagrange, resulting in a union steeped in Burgundian heritage. This husband-and-wife team run the Domaine, now with the help of their son Marc-Antonin, who has returned to France after spending time in the vineyards of Australia and New Zealand.

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 help 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. The wines tend to be highly concentrated and in quite limited supply: the combination of the older vines with the younger forms of wines that are rich and strong but subtle enough to not be overpowering.

The name of the lieu-dit La Rue aux Vaches derives from the path that runs along the vineyard, used for grazing livestock. From 60 years old vines just below the famous 1st cru Les Pucelles.

This classic Puligny comes from a single lieu-dit—La Rue aux Vaches—although this is not indicated on the label. The wine has the citrus fruit and flinty character of Puligny and stands out in this cellar where everything else is from Chassagne. The texture in 2021 was lively and fresh, but some light batonnage gave the wine a bit more breadth. This wine should drink well young but will certainly hold for five years at least. 93 Points - Decanter

A more elegant and more floral-infused nose speaks of green apple, spice and the barest hint of oak influence. The gorgeously textured medium-bodied flavors dance across the palate while delivering excellent depth and persistence on the balanced, chiseled and refreshing finale that is somewhat firmer. This is a knockout Puligny villages and highly recommended, moreover it should age gracefully over the mid-term. 91 Points - BURGHOUND