Our links with Fontaine-Gagnard go back a long way, to the 1990s – memories of the estate’s 1982 Criots-Bâtard-Montrachet, and the 1989 Volnay 1er Cru Clos des Chênes still resonate profoundly. After a bit of a break, we reconvened in 1999, and have been purchasing all we are allowed, without fail, in every vintage.

Another generational shift here, as daughter Céline has taken over from dad Richard (who, of course, continues to be out and about on a daily basis…and he still fills in when Céline is indisposed, her family currently on an upward curve of expansion). Wonderful array of holdings throughout Chassagne, including 10 of the commune’s 1er Crus, so they make a good stack of wine…however, such is the domaine’s reputation, that demand regularly outstrips supply – were we to drop out, our place in the queue would be filled at once. Early bottling here, preserving freshness, the wines are always ready to drink when young.