2018 Puligny Montrachet Les Perrieres

The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Perrières has turned out nicely in bottle, unfurling in the glass with scents of white flowers, citrus zest, crisp Anjou pear, white peach and beeswax. Medium-bodied, lively and mineral, it's fine-boned and elegant, with tangy acids and a saline finish.

Tank sample. Very different from Chassagne Les Encégnières with the creaminess of the oak more obvious. Almost a touch buttery. Ripe, veering towards honeyed though it has very good freshness to balance. Spicy, oaky but fresh finish. (JH)

The 2018 Puligny-Montrachet Les Perrières 1er Cru comes from a single plot that touches Les Referts, the vines around 45 years old. This has a little more richness on the nose with candle wax/resin aromas joining the malic fruit, perhaps even a little "Chassagne" in style. The palate is well balanced with, again, a little more depth and weight than the other Premier Crus from Sauzet, though it does not quite display the same nervosité on the finish. I commend the spiciness on the aftertaste, but I hope this will develop more tension by the time of bottling.