1997 Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes

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.”

Les Combettes is a 19.4-acre acre Premier Cru vineyard in the Puligny-Montrachet appellation in Burgundy’s Cote de Beaune. It is on the northern edge of the appellation and borders Meursault. Les Combettes is considered the appellation’s finest Premier Cru, and writer Clive Coates calls Les Combettes “the most complete wine” of the four Premier Cru vineyards in northern Puligny-Montrachet. Les Combettes, he writes, “is a mouthwatering and deliciously elegant combination of Meursault and Puligny, with the steeliness of the latter and the honeysuckle and hazelnut of the former.”

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.