2018 Jean Noel Gagnard Chassagne-Montrachet Rouge “Morgeot” 1er Cru | 🇫🇷

The last of four red Burgs I bought to get me started on the region! It's a daunting exercise, building the knowledge base to finally get started with untangling Burgundy, which seemed overwhelming to me at first. The other three (Arlaud Roncevie, Richoux Irancy, Sarrazin Givry) were all quite unique in their own right, and the selection of this one was to start with an entry level Chassagne-Montrachet rouge. The inheritance rules of Burgundy always do a number on me, seeing how many Gagnards own vineyards out there – Jean-Noel inherited several small parcels, and for almost the last 30 years, it's been run by his daughter Caroline. This particular Pinot comes from the Morgeot 1er cru plot, on the southern end of Chassagne-Montrachet – southeast facing slopes about 750' high. Stored at 55, popped thej decanted, enjoyed over two hours.

Visually, a medium ruby in the glass.

On the nose – my goodness, it's as if the wine grew hands, and pushed my face down into soil. Very earthy from the start. Potting soil, dirt. I'm in construction, I've smelled some dirt. There's dirt. Dried leaves, tobacco leaves. As it warms – roses, potpourri. Notable allspice & clove. Fruits – blueberry, cranberry, dark cherry. It's a wonderfully complex scent to my Burg rookie nose.

On the palate – strong red fruit – cranberry & cherry, licorice, soil & pastry. Despite being just 13%, it was notable from the start, and moreso as it warmed (13 in Bordeaux to me is imperceptible) – rougher that I expected, with super fine tannins that coated every inch of my mouth. Middling acidity with a decent finish. Structurally, it felt somewhat out of control, compared to the harmony of the Arlaud Roncevie I mention above or the Givry. Perhaps with more time for all the components to come to terms with each other – the flavors were fantastic, the finish was decent – I'll have to think about this one further.

Parting notes – on to my next group of 4 red Burgs, ones from more well known appellations & producers. It's certainly bold, earthy, and still rough around the edges – but I enjoyed the nose & flavors plenty enough to certainly welcome more CM reds!