Etienne Sauzet Puligny Montrachet Les Combettes 2012

Winery Background & History:

Domaine Etienne Sauzet is a prestigious producer in Burgundy, particularly known for its exceptional white wines from the Côte de Beaune region. Established in the early 20th century, the domaine is now run by Jeanine Boillot, granddaughter of Etienne Sauzet. Over the years, Etienne Sauzet has become synonymous with producing high-quality, terroir-driven wines from Puligny-Montrachet and surrounding appellations, with a focus on biodynamic practices and minimal intervention.

Producer & Wine Maker:

The domaine operates under the philosophy of preserving the purity and expression of terroir, with winemaking duties currently overseen by Jeanine Boillot and her husband Gérard Boudot. Their meticulous approach in both the vineyard and cellar is aimed at creating wines that express the unique characteristics of each plot.

Vineyard:

The “Les Combettes” vineyard is one of Puligny-Montrachet’s premier crus, located near the border with Meursault, contributing a distinctive balance of richness and minerality to the wines. The vineyard is known for its well-drained, limestone-rich soils, which are ideal for Chardonnay. The vines here are typically 30-40 years old, producing low yields of intensely flavored grapes.

The Wine:

Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes is a Premier Cru white Burgundy made exclusively from Chardonnay. It exemplifies the balance of richness and finesse that Puligny-Montrachet is famed for, with this particular vineyard producing wines that are both structured and elegant.

Vintage:

2012 was a challenging year in Burgundy, marked by frost, hail, and uneven flowering, which resulted in reduced yields. However, the small crop that was harvested produced concentrated, high-quality wines with excellent ageing potential.

ABV %:

The alcohol content for the 2012 vintage typically ranges around 13%.

Vinification and Aging Method:

The wine was fermented in oak barrels, 20-30% of which were new, to achieve a balance between oak influence and fruit purity. After fermentation, the wine was aged on its lees in the same barrels for about 12 months, followed by additional time in stainless steel vats to allow the flavors to integrate before bottling.

Grapes Varietals:

• 100% Chardonnay

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, this wine offers aromas of ripe orchard fruits such as apple and pear, alongside notes of citrus, white flowers, and a touch of hazelnut and vanilla from the oak. The palate is rich yet precise, with flavors of lemon curd, stone fruits, and a distinctive mineral backbone. The wine has excellent depth, balanced acidity, and a long, clean finish with a hint of saline minerality.

Food and Wine Pairing:

This wine pairs beautifully with rich seafood dishes like lobster, scallops, and crab. It also complements roasted poultry, creamy sauces, and a variety of cheeses, particularly soft and mild varieties such as Brie or Camembert.

Service Methods:

Serve at 12-14°C. Decanting is generally not necessary for this wine, but allowing it to breathe for 20-30 minutes before serving can enhance its complexity.

Storage and Ageing Potential:

The 2012 Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes has excellent ageing potential, typically developing beautifully over 10-15 years. With proper storage in a cool, dark environment, this wine will continue to gain complexity and depth, reaching its peak between 2022 and 2027.

Scores:

• Wine Advocate: 93 points

• Burghound: 92 points

• Decanter: 93 points

Summary:

Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes 2012 is a stunning Premier Cru white Burgundy, offering a harmonious blend of richness and minerality. With its vibrant fruit, elegant oak influence, and long-lasting finish, this wine is a standout example of the exceptional terroir of Puligny-Montrachet. Ideal for ageing, it will continue to evolve in complexity and is a perfect match for rich seafood and fine dining experiences.