2021 Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru "Les Réferts", Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

The 2020 Puligny-Montrachet les Referts 1er Cru is more backward on the nose compared to Sauzet’s other Premier Cru, though it opens with aeration, hints of pressed yellow flowers, saffron and citrus peel. The palate is very taut and focused, the oak beautifully integrated, hints of apricot and Clementine towards the oh-so-pretty finish. This will be gorgeous once in bottle.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

The history of this domaine dates to the beginning of the 20th century, when Etienne Sauzet inherited and bought several plots of vines in the village of Puligny-Montrachet. The vines passed through the family to Jeanine Boillot, Sauzet’s granddaughter. Jeanine and her husband, Gérard Boudot, managed the domaine, making many modernizations including improved vinification techniques and biodynamic farming. Today the domaine has been passed to their daughter Emilie and her husband, Benoît Riffault, who continue to produce white wines that are among the most sought-after in all of Burgundy. Although the winemaking techniques have been modernized, M. Sauzet’s traditions of estate-bottling and of aging the wines on their lees for 10-12 months to “nourish them” are still respected and result in superbly finished, fruity, and full-bodied wines. After four generations, Sauzet is still synonymous with high-quality, elegant, Burgundian Chardonnay.