2023 Domaine Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “Champ Gain”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

Champ Gain sits high on the slope above Puligny-Montrachet, bordering forested areas and benefiting from cooler temperatures and excellent drainage. The elevation and thin, limestone-rich soils give this Premier Cru a distinctive freshness and taut structure. In the warm 2023 vintage, this site’s natural tension and slow ripening proved key to preserving elegance and vibrancy.

Grapes were hand-harvested and sorted with care, then pressed gently and fermented in French oak barrels using indigenous yeasts. Aging lasted around 12 months in barrel (approximately 20% new oak), followed by additional time in tank to fine-tune balance before bottling. The winemaking is purposefully restrained to maintain transparency and site identity.

This wine leans toward the more vertical, racy side of Puligny. It offers citrus fruit, green orchard notes, and a light nuttiness, backed by a chalky texture and brisk acidity. Though approachable young for its energy and finesse, it will reward 5–8 years of cellaring. Ideal pairings include shellfish, sashimi, or lemon-butter sole.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Domaine Etienne Sauzet, a cornerstone in Puligny-Montrachet, is widely revered for its precise, terroir-driven Chardonnay. Now in the hands of Emilie and Benoît Riffault, the domaine has evolved toward biodynamic farming and a philosophy centered on low intervention and purity of expression.

Across their holdings, including Premier and Grand Cru sites, the focus is on showcasing each terroir’s signature—whether it’s the richness of Combettes, the stony refinement of Folatières, or the altitude-driven elegance of Champ Gain. Their cellar practices emphasize gentle vinification, moderate oak, and careful élevage to retain vibrancy and site transparency.

The 2023 Champ Gain exemplifies Sauzet’s house style: lithe, mineral, and finely detailed—a wine that speaks softly but with authority.