2001 Etienne Sauzet Bâtard-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.”

Batard-Montrachet is one of the four great Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyards in the appellation of Puligny-Montrachet, in Burgundy. Like its neighbor Le Montrachet, Batard-Montrachet also lies partly in the Chassagne-Montrachet appellation just to the south of Puligny-Montrachet. At 30 acres, Batard-Montrachet is the largest of four Grand Crus and it is divided into nearly 30 individually owned parcels. Located just to the east of Le Montrachet, the soil of Batard-Montrachet is deeper and less thin. The largest landholders are Leflaive, with 4.5 acres; Ramonet, 1.2 acres; Bachelet-Ramonet, 1.4 acres; and Paul Pernot, 1.5 acres.

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.