Wine Advisor
Etienne Sauzet, Montrachet Grand Cru 2017
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: James Suckling
Despite being 5 years old, this Grand Cru white Burgundy has a restrained, slightly closed nose with tons of flint (usually a sign of youth in this category). Very structured, with plenty of chalky character on the concentrated and full-bodied palate. However, the tannins (also from oak) still make it a bit rigid in the firm finish. Maybe it will show better after further aging. Very limited production. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2017 Montrachet Grand Cru from Domaine Etienne Sauzet has an intense nose with nectarine, white linen and pressed flower scents. It's fairly backward with a subtle petrol-like tincture. The palate is very well-balanced, harmonious and slightly peachy in style, though I want more tension and more electricity running through the finish, prompting me to lower my score because that is something that I expect from whites in this cooler vintage, not least from this Grand Cru.
About the Producer
Etienne Sauzet is an estate based in Puligny-Montrachet, making some of the most sought-after Chardonnay wines in Burgundy. Sauzet's wines are prized for their elegance at village level and for their extra weight and concentration at Premier and Grand Cru level. The portfolio includes leading examples of Chevalier-Montrachet, Le Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru Champs Gain. The domaine is made up of 15 hectares (37 ac) of estate vineyards split between the communes of Puligny-Montrachet, Cormot-le-Grand and Chassagne-Montrachet with small amounts of fruit externally sourced. The grapes are fermented in oak and aged in barrel for around a year – premier crus see up to 33-percent new oak, while grand crus get 40-percent. After barrel aging, the wines are racked into tanks for another six months on lees. Etienne Sauzet was established at the forefront of Puligny-Montrachet production by Etienne Sauzet himself (1903-1975). His 12 hectare (30 ac) estate was taken over by his son-in-law Gérard Boudot, although in 1991 Boudot's cousin Jean-Marc Boillot took out his share of vineyards, requiring Boudot and his family to make additional acquisitions to bring the property back to its current size.
