2018 Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet

Etienne Sauzet, in Puligny-Montrachet, is, in the words of Robert M. Parker Jr., “one of the most serious white winemaking estates in Burgundy.” The 20-acre estate was founded in the mid-20th century by Etienne Sauzet, who inherited a few acres and acquired more in the 1950s. The domaine has remained in the family and is now run by Gerard Boudot, husband of the founder’s granddaughter. The estate makes Grand Crus, Premier Crus and Bourgognes. Its signature Chardonnays are the Grand Crus Montrachet, Chevalier- Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Batard-Montrachet. It is also noted for its fine Premier Crus. Burgundy writer Clive Coates has called Boudot “one of Puligny’s most gifted winemakers.”

Puligny-Montrachet, according to Burgundy writer Clive Coates, “is the greatest white wine commune on earth.” Though other reviewers are not always as extravagant in their praise, there is no question that the appellation’s wines are generally the most lauded Chardonnays in the world. Puligny-Montrachet the commune is tiny, with fewer than 500 residents. Yet the appellation named for it has 1,250 acres of vineyards, including 76 acres of Grands Crus and 247 acres of Premiers Crus. Its four famous Grands Crus are Montrachet, Chevalier-Montrachet, Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet. There are 26 Premiers Crus completely or partly in the appellation. The Premiers and Grands Crus vineyards are on slopes that eventually rise to 1,300 feet and become total rock. In his admiration for this appellation, Coates added “The top Montrachets, Chevaliers and Bâtards are wines to drink on bended knees, with heartfelt and humble thanks.”

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.