The exact meaning of ‘Les Caillerets’ is uncertain but it is an old French word for stones, and the soils of this first-growth vineyard are very pebbly. The JNG parcel, barely more than one hectare facing south-east at 300-310m at the southern end... ‘gives a beautifully balanced, precise wine with marvellous purity of fruit and a long crisp finish’ (Norman & Taylor, Great Domaines of Burgundy). Grapes are hand-picked and sorted, then gently pressed, settled and transferred to barrels for natural fermentation followed by 18 months maturation in Tronçais and Allier oak, one-third new. The final wine is a selection of the best barrels.
Caroline Lestimé has enhanced the reputation of this fine producer since taking over from her famous father, Jean Noel Gagnard, in 1989.
Jean Noel Gagnard handed his eponymous Domaine to his daughter Caroline Lestimé in 1989. She had studied business in Paris, before returning to the village to take over the reins of the family estate, and had to handle male chauvinism at its most rampant. Nonetheless, she has followed her own convictions, and enhanced (rather than diminished) the reputation of this fine producer. In the vineyard, she uses no fertilisers or herbicides, but has not taken hold of the biodynamic bible.- James Halliday
More elegant aromas are comprised by essence of white orchard fruit, spice and hint of citrus. The mouthfeel of incredibly rich, full-bodied and powerful flavours is textured and overtly opulent, all wrapped in a dry, sappy and palate etching finish that brims with minerality.
91-94 points, Burghound, June 2018
Sadly what is usually my favourite vineyard in this cellar suffered quite a bit from the frost (17 hl/ha). Backward nose, a little oak, a little white fruit. Some weight at the front, quite a lot more behind. Baked apples, moderate acidity, good length. Not quite together but this should harmonise.
(91-94) points, InsideBurgundy.com
The whites are full-bodied, powerful, and fat, with aromas of almonds (green or toasted, depending on the age of the wine), ripe apples, white flowers, and honey, The finish is remarkably long.
The reds are deeply colored, full-bodied, and often quite fleshy, with classic aroma of cherry or kirsch and blackcurrant. Their firm structure is reminiscent of a wine from the Côte de Nuits.
