Domaine Etienne Sauzet

Why we follow Domaine Etienne Sauzet

The estate

Étienne Sauzet built one of Puligny-Montrachet's leading white addresses in the middle of the last century. His son-in-law Gérard Boudot took over in 1974 and made its modern reputation. Then in 1991 the inheritance was divided between three grandchildren, and Jean-Marc Boillot took his third out as vineyards to found his own estate. Overnight the domaine fell from around twelve hectares to just under nine. Boudot's answer was to establish a négociant arm, buying grapes and must so the range could stay complete. It was an unusual move at the time and it is the reason the domaine can offer Chevalier-Montrachet and Le Montrachet at all. The fourth generation now runs it: Émilie Boudot, Étienne's great-granddaughter, at the domaine since 2000, and her husband Benoît Riffault since 2002.

The vineyards

Nine hectares of estate vines, almost entirely Chardonnay in Puligny, supplemented by purchased fruit. Bâtard-Montrachet and Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet are estate-owned; Montrachet and Chevalier come largely from bought grapes, and the labels distinguish between the two. Nine premier crus follow, led by Les Combettes, Champ Canet and Les Perrières, with La Garenne, Les Referts, Les Folatières, La Truffière, Hameau de Blagny and Champs Gains alongside.

In the glass

Riffault began biodynamic trials in 2009 and achieved certification in 2015. New oak has been pulled back to a maximum of thirty per cent even for the grand crus. Vinification is classical, with careful settling and ageing on fine lees, and the aim throughout is purity, finesse and salinity rather than weight. Combettes is the star of the premier crus and sits very close to grand cru in quality. The village Puligny is a benchmark for what the appellation should taste like.

With Lamont’s

Offered through the Private Cellar Selection, generally following the October release. Register your interest and we will contact you when the next allocation is confirmed.