2003 Domaine Étienne Sauzet Bienvenues-Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru
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Tasting notes
Very discreet nose hints at mint. Then rich, round and sweet, with a flavor of creamy citrus. Quite powerful, even a bit aggressive, on the back end. This shows more volume than the Combettes but less minerality. (There was a good bit of hydric stress here in 2003, notes Boudot.) I'd hold this for a year or two.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A complex and beautifully transparent nose reveals vanilla, pear and white flowers that highlight the delicious, textured, sweet and deep flavors that offer the most complexity and sheer class to this point. The old vine sap is immediately apparent and while this is not a bigger or more powerful wine than the Combettes, there is simply another dimension present here. Really lovely stuff whose only nit is a hint of finishing warmth.
The toasted mineral-scented 2003 Bienvenue-Batard-Montrachet (white) (total production: 80 cases) is medium-bodied, sappy, and suave. Resin-laced minerals are intermingled with toast in this glycerin-imbued effort. In addition, its long, supple finish reveals notes of creamed almonds. Anticipated maturity: now-2013. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802
Subdued nose hints at smoke and banana; comes across as heavy after the Combettes. Then concentrated and creamy in the mouth, with reasonably fresh stone fruit flavors. But still less elegant and less detailed than the Combettes.