2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Les Referts”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“Les Referts” is a distinguished Premier Cru vineyard situated along the northern edge of Puligny-Montrachet, bordering the celebrated vineyards of Meursault. Its position near the Meursault boundary gives the wine a distinctive character, combining the generous fruit and supple texture associated with its neighboring appellation with the finesse, tension, and mineral definition characteristic of Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard's gently sloping terrain and limestone-rich clay soils provide excellent conditions for Chardonnay, encouraging deep root development and contributing to the wine's concentration, aromatic complexity, and refined structure. Domaine Étienne Sauzet's interpretation of this exceptional site emphasizes the balance between richness and precision, producing a wine of remarkable depth and elegance.

The vineyards are cultivated according to organic and biodynamic principles, emphasizing soil vitality, biodiversity, and the natural expression of the terroir. Careful vineyard management and selective harvesting ensure that the Chardonnay achieves optimal ripeness while retaining the freshness and acidity essential to the wine's balance. Following gentle pressing, the fruit undergoes fermentation and maturation in French oak barrels, with a measured proportion of new oak that enhances complexity without overwhelming the vineyard's distinctive character. Extended aging on fine lees contributes richness, depth, and a refined, creamy texture while preserving the wine's vibrant acidity and mineral precision.

The 2024 vintage offers a harmonious expression of ripe orchard fruit, delicate floral aromatics, and bright citrus, complemented by subtle toasted almond, gentle spice, and a persistent mineral finish. Its combination of richness, freshness, and elegant structure makes it an exceptional companion to refined seafood and poultry dishes, pairing beautifully with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roasted turbot, or langoustines with a delicate cream sauce. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with morel mushrooms, veal with a light cream sauce, or aged Comté, where its vibrant acidity and layered texture provide a beautiful counterpoint to richer flavors.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Domaine Étienne Sauzet is one of the historic white wine estates of Puligny-Montrachet, celebrated for producing Chardonnay that expresses the elegance, complexity, and distinctive mineral character of Burgundy's Côte de Beaune. Founded in the early 20th century by Étienne Sauzet, the domaine grew through the acquisition and inheritance of vineyard parcels in and around Puligny-Montrachet. Following his death in 1975, the estate passed to his granddaughter Jeanine and her husband, Gérard Boudot, whose meticulous vineyard management and thoughtful approach to winemaking helped establish its international reputation.

Today, the domaine is led by their daughter Émilie Boudot and her husband, Benoît Riffault, who continue the family's legacy while embracing environmentally conscious viticulture. The estate encompasses approximately 15 hectares across Puligny-Montrachet and neighboring appellations, with holdings ranging from regional vineyards to some of Burgundy's most celebrated Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. Certified organic in 2006, the domaine subsequently adopted biodynamic farming practices, prioritizing healthy soils, biodiversity, and a balanced relationship between the vines and their natural environment.

In the cellar, the domaine follows a philosophy of precision and restrained intervention, allowing the individual character of each vineyard and vintage to take center stage. Careful fruit selection, gentle pressing, measured oak influence, and maturation on fine lees produce wines distinguished by aromatic purity, refined texture, vibrant acidity, and exceptional mineral definition. From its expressive regional bottlings to its prestigious Grand Cru wines, Domaine Étienne Sauzet remains dedicated to crafting Chardonnay that reflects the diversity of Burgundy's limestone terroirs with elegance, depth, and a profound sense of place.