Jean Noel Gagnard, Santenay Clos des Tavannes 1er Cru 2020

The story of Domaine Jean‑Noël Gagnard begins in 1960, when Jean‑Noël inherited part of his family’s vineyards in Chassagne‑Montrachet. For nearly three decades he built the Domaine’s reputation, working parcels across the village and into Premier and Grand Cru territory. In 1989, his daughter Caroline Lestime took the reins, and under her leadership the Domaine has become one of the most distinctive voices in Chassagne.

Caroline’s approach has always been about precision and honesty. She moved the estate toward organic farming, abandoning herbicides in 2000 and focusing on soil health and biodiversity. In the cellar she gave each terroir its own space, vinifying individual vineyards separately rather than blending them away. This decision turned the spotlight onto sites like Caillerets, Blanchots Dessus, and Morgeot, allowing their personalities to shine more clearly.

The Domaine now farms around 14.5 hectares, mostly Chardonnay with some Pinot Noir. Whites are fermented and aged in oak (with a careful balance of new and old barrels) for 16–18 months, while reds are fully destemmed, gently extracted, and matured in barrel. The style is elegant and expressive: Chardonnays with crystalline acidity, layered fruit, and a mineral backbone; Pinots that are structured yet restrained, more about finesse than weight.

Highlights of the range include Batard‑Montrachet Grand Cru, a tiny parcel with depth and gravitas, alongside a strong collection of Chassagne Premiers Crus — Caillerets, Maltroye, Champs Gains, Chenevottes, and more. On the red side, Chassagne and neighbouring Santenay give supple, earthy wines with balance and character.