6 bottles of Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet 2015 (1 bottle each of 'Champ Canet', 'Champ Gain', 'La Garenne', 'Les Combettes', 'Les Folatieres' & 'Les Referts')

Champ Gain stands among the most prestigious Premier Cru vineyards in Puligny-Montrachet, and Etienne Sauzet's 2015 expression represents the pinnacle of what this exceptional terroir can achieve. Located on the slope above the village with optimal southeastern exposure, Champ Gain benefits from distinctive soil composition and microclimate that produce wines of extraordinary elegance and aging potential.

The 2015 vintage was exceptional throughout Burgundy, providing ideal growing conditions that allowed the greatest vineyards to express their full potential. Etienne Sauzet's biodynamic approach to viticulture, implemented across their estate since 2010, enabled the Champ Gain vineyard to achieve perfect harmony between vine, soil, and climate. The estate's commitment to sustainable practices and respect for terroir shines through in every aspect of this remarkable wine.

Champ Gain's terroir is distinguished by its complex soil structure featuring limestone-clay base with excellent drainage and mineral richness. The vineyard's position on the slope provides optimal sun exposure while elevation ensures good air circulation and temperature moderation during the growing season. These factors combine to create an ideal environment for producing Chardonnay of exceptional complexity and longevity.

The estate's mature vines in Champ Gain, averaging over 30 years in age, contribute remarkable depth and concentration to the wine. These established vines naturally produce lower yields while achieving exceptional fruit quality and character. Their extensive root systems access deep soil layers, extracting the full mineral complexity that makes this vineyard so distinctive.

Etienne Sauzet's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention and maximum expression of terroir. The grapes were hand-harvested at optimal ripeness with meticulous selection ensuring that only the finest fruit reached the winery. Gentle pneumatic pressing preserved the delicate aromatics while whole cluster pressing contributed to the wine's complexity and structural backbone.

Fermentation occurred in carefully selected French oak barrels, with approximately 25% new oak providing structure and complexity without masking the wine's inherent character. The wine underwent natural malolactic fermentation and extended lees aging for 12 months, contributing to its signature texture and depth. This patient approach allows the wine to integrate fully while maintaining the freshness and precision that define great Burgundy.

The 2015 Champ Gain presents a luminous golden color with subtle green highlights that speak to its careful crafting and noble breeding. The bouquet is immediately captivating, revealing layers of white stone fruits, citrus blossoms, and distinctive mineral notes that reflect the vineyard's unique terroir. Aromas of ripe pear, lemon zest, and acacia flowers emerge with aeration, accompanied by subtle hints of toasted almonds and honey.

On the palate, the wine demonstrates exceptional balance and complexity that mark it as one of the finest expressions of Puligny-Montrachet Premier Cru. The texture is both generous and refined, with a silky mouthfeel that carries flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and subtle spice. The mineral backbone provides elegant framework, while the finish reveals remarkable length and persistence with notes of wet stones and honey that continue to evolve beautifully in the glass.

This wine represents the perfect marriage of exceptional terroir, ideal vintage conditions, and masterful winemaking that defines the greatest expressions of Burgundy.

Harvest: Hand-harvested at optimal maturity

Vineyard: Champ Gain Premier Cru

Aging: 12 months in 25% new French oak

Alcohol: ~13.5% ABV

Source: Etienne-Sauzet.com

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