2002 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes 1er Cru

Historically one of Domaine Sauzet’s oldest parcels, one-third of the Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes was ripped up after the 2002 harvest for later replanting. Ripe apples, hazelnuts, and fresh flowers are intermingled with buttery aromas in the nose of the 2002. Light to medium-bodied and revealing appealing richness and depth, this is a tangy, mineral-filled wine that is admirably complex. Projected maturity: now-2011. “I have only good things to say about 2002. It is the fourth in a series of good vintages, starting with the 1999s. There was no rot, great maturity, and excellent balance to add backbone,” said Gerard Boudot, Sauzet’s winemaker. He went on to add, “2002 is a very good vintage. Some people compare it to 1996, but those were much more austere wines. Some people speak of 1992, but it is livelier. Maybe it reminds me of 1985.” Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802

Full and dense and sweet, but without passion – though with passion fruit! (JR)

Historically one of Domaine Sauzet’s oldest parcels, one-third of the Puligny-Montrachet Les Combettes was ripped up after the 2002 harvest for later replanting. Ripe apples, hazelnuts, and fresh flowers are intermingled with buttery aromas in the nose of the 2002. Light to medium-bodied and revealing appealing richness and depth, this is a tangy, mineral-filled wine that is admirably complex. Projected maturity: now-2011. Feb 2004, www.robertparker.com