2024 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru “La Garenne”, Burgundy, France

ABOUT THE WINE

“La Garenne” is a distinctive Premier Cru vineyard situated on the upper slopes of Puligny-Montrachet, near the hamlet of Blagny in Burgundy’s Côte de Beaune. Its elevated position and limestone-rich soils distinguish it from the lower-lying vineyards of the appellation, creating a cooler growing environment that encourages gradual ripening and preserves the Chardonnay’s natural acidity. The vineyard’s thin, stony soils and underlying limestone contribute to the wine’s pronounced mineral character, aromatic purity, and finely structured palate. Compared with the richer expressions of Puligny-Montrachet from lower on the slope, La Garenne typically emphasizes freshness, delicate floral aromatics, and a particularly refined mineral tension, reflecting the distinctive character of its high-elevation terroir.

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 allow the Chardonnay to achieve optimal maturity while retaining the bright acidity and aromatic precision characteristic of this elevated site. 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 delicate floral and mineral character. Aging on fine lees contributes subtle richness, depth, and a supple texture while preserving the wine’s vibrant energy and precise mineral definition.

The 2024 vintage highlights the distinctive freshness of La Garenne, balancing delicate white floral aromatics, crisp orchard fruit, and bright citrus with a fine mineral backbone and persistent saline finish. Its combination of lively acidity, refined texture, and understated richness makes it an exceptional companion to elegant seafood and poultry dishes, pairing beautifully with seared scallops, grilled langoustines, roasted turbot, or Dover sole with lemon butter. It is equally appealing alongside roast chicken with fresh herbs, creamy mushroom risotto, or aged Comté, where its mineral precision and refreshing acidity complement the richness of the dish.

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.