The 2018 Blain-Gagnard Le Montrachet Grand Cru Magnum is an exceptionally rare 100% Chardonnay from Le Montrachet in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune, presented in an impressive 1500ml format. Founded in 1980 by Jean-Marc Blain and Claudine Gagnard, Domaine Blain-Gagnard draws on the historic vineyard holdings of the Gagnard-Delagrange family. Its Montrachet parcel comprises just 13 rows covering approximately 0.08 hectares, making this one of the domaine’s most limited wines. Burgundy Report recorded production of only two barrels in 2018, slightly above the usual one and a half. Even before considering the magnum presentation, the quantities are extraordinarily small.
The 2018 offers pear, citrus and white flowers with a subtle exotic character, supported by a concentrated, muscular palate and considerable energy. Allen Meadows of Burghound awarded the wine 94 Points, highlighting its precision, refinement and exceptionally long finish. Despite its substantial scale, his assessment places this Montrachet on the more restrained and elegant side rather than emphasising sheer weight. Bill Nanson of Burgundy Report similarly praised its mineral intensity, beautifully defined structure and remarkable persistence, identifying the finish as a particular strength. Together, these assessments point to a serious Grand Cru Chardonnay combining depth with definition.
