Etienne Sauzet 'Les Enseignères' Chassagne-Montrachet, Burgundy, France 2023

Etienne Sauzet is one of Burgundy’s benchmark white wine estates, revered for producing some of the Côte de Beaune’s most precise and age-worthy Chardonnays. Founded in the early 20th century in Puligny-Montrachet, the domaine has remained family-run for four generations, evolving under Gérard Boudot and now Benoît Riffault into a leader of biodynamic viticulture and meticulous cellar work. Sauzet’s wines are celebrated for their purity, mineral intensity, and seamless balance between richness and finesse. WINEMAKER: Benoît Riffault FARMING: Certified Organic (Ecocert); Biodynamic practices VARIETY: Chardonnay (100%) TERROIR: Sourced from the lieu-dit Les Enseignères in Chassagne-Montrachet, directly beneath Bâtard-Montrachet. Limestone-rich soils with excellent drainage contribute concentration, tension, and pronounced mineral character VINIFICATION: Indigenous yeast fermentation with temperature-controlled cellar conditions; extended lees aging to build texture and complexity while preserving precision and freshness AGING: Aged 10–12 months on fine lees in French oak barrels, with approximately 20–25% new oak TASTING NOTES: Aromas of yellow plum, citrus oil, grilled almond, and white flowers are layered over a subtle mineral backbone. The palate is concentrated yet vibrant, with fine acidity, gentle reduction, and a spicy, persistent finish that reflects the pedigree of this exceptional site FOOD PAIRINGS: Butter-poached lobster, roast chicken with morels, halibut in beurre blanc, or aged Comté SCORES: 90–92 – Vinous (Neal Martin)