Etienne Sauzet

The historic heart of this domaine comprises premier cru vineyards on Puligny’s northern border (Champ Canet, Combettes, Referts, Perrières) whose richly-textured wines already hint at the opulent style of contiguous Meursault. Since 1991, when one third of the vineyard land was lost through inheritance, it has been winery policy to buy in additional grapes to cover appellation shortfalls, add these purchases to the estate’s own harvest, and vinify both origins jointly. This somewhat complicated process has allowed winemaker Gérard Boudot together with his son-in-law Benoît to retain full technical control (including overseeing the farming and harvesting arrangements to do with the purchased grapes). The upside is that Boudot has been able to extend his wine-making expertise to new appellations, adding a brightly mineral La Garenne as well as boosting the grand cru count from the original two (Bâtard and Bienvenue-Bâtard) to four (purchases of Chevalier and Montrachet).

A high-class range of wines from one of the masters of Puligny, combining delicacy, vivid aromas and voluptuous textures. Sauzet wines can often take a while to come round but when they do they are some of the most exciting, complete examples of Puligny. Generosity of fruit is expertly tempered by judicious use of oak and bright, striking acidity.

General information

• Country

  France

• Region

  Puligny-Montrachet, Côte de Beaune, Burgundy

• Total holdings

  10ha

• Winemaker

  Gérard Boudot & Benoit Riffault

• Established

  1920s

• Cultivation

  Biodynamic (uncertified)

• Website

  www.etiennesauzet.com