1996 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet La Garenne 1er Cru

Produced from 26 year old vines and having spent 12 months on its lees, the Puligny-Montrachet La Garenne has an exceedingly minerally nose (almost like rock dust, a smell I associate with having been around machines that pulverize rocks). On the palate, this medium-bodied, highly structured, and vibrant wine has dusty stone and gravel-like flavors. Its long finish delivers traces of spicy oak nuances from the 30% new barrels that were used in its elevage. Gerard Boudot, this firm's director, bottled this wine between September and November, 1997. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel (205) 980-8802.