2022 Etienne Sauzet, Montrachet Grand Cru 1x75cl

Etienne Sauzet: A Puligny-Montrachet Reference Point

Located in the heart of the Côte de Beaune, Domaine Étienne Sauzet is universally regarded as one of the traditional benchmarks for elite Puligny-Montrachet. Established in the early 20th century by Étienne Sauzet, the estate was built up from a few inherited vines into a highly respected family domain. The property achieved international renown under the stewardship of Étienne’s granddaughter, Jeanine, and her husband, Gérard Boudot, who joined in 1974. Today, the estate is led by the next generation, Emilie Boudot and her husband, Benoît Riffault. Managing approximately 15 hectares of prime vineyards, the domain has transitioned entirely to organic farming and biodynamic practices, ensuring that the natural vitality of the soil is preserved across its historic plots.

A Style of Textural Harmony and Crystalline Purity

The winemaking philosophy at Domaine Étienne Sauzet focuses on achieving an ideal equilibrium between a rich, classic mid-palate texture and a chiselled, mineral-driven acidity. Under Benoît Riffault’s direction, the Chardonnays are fermented with native yeasts and aged for approximately one year in French oak barrels before being transferred to stainless steel vats on their fine lees for an additional six months of settling. The estate utilises a highly disciplined approach to new oak, typically capping it at 20% for village wines and up to 40% for the grand crus. This patient process yields wines defined by their clarity, displaying precise aromas of white flowers, citrus peel, and crushed stone, balanced by a seamless, multi-layered mouthfeel.

Exceptional Quality and Historic Grand Cru Access

The global standing and investment-grade quality of Domaine Étienne Sauzet are anchored by an extraordinary collection of old-vine parcels situated in Burgundy’s most coveted limestone soils. The portfolio features exceptional village-level cuvées alongside an elite hierarchy of premier crus, including Champ Canet, Les Combettes, and Les Referts. The crown jewels of the domain are its microscopic holdings within three legendary Grand Crus: Le Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, and Bâtard-Montrachet. Through rigorous sorting, low yields, and meticulous cellar tracking, the estate delivers remarkable consistency across varying vintages. Highly allocated and built with great structural integrity, these white Burgundies possess immense cellaring potential, built to unfold decades of complex nuance.