2002 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru

Reserved, backward and almost closed on the nose, revealing only hints of white flower fruit and spice but the ample flavors are impressively scaled and while this is not as concentrated as the Bienvenues, it is a good deal more powerful and possesses a finish that seems to go on and on. This is relatively racy and refined for Bâtard and I very much like the inner mouth perfume. A great Bâtard that is worthy of the name.

I loved Sauzet’s 2002 Batard-Montrachet. Its coconut and anise-scented nose leads to a broad, rich, medium-bodied personality. This massively fleshy, ripe, deep wine is also refined, seamless, and intense. Its flavor profile, best described as a syrup of zesty though not angular minerals, lingers throughout its exceptionally long, suave finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. “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

Quite mineral, but without the density that the price demands. Chewy finish. But all just a little bit dilute. (JR)