The Return of the King!

Okay, maybe that's a bit dramatic. After all, the true King of Burgundy is probably Corton-Charlemagne, the legendary Grand Cru named for Emperor Charlemagne himself.

But after tasting Etienne Sauzet's 2023 Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Beaune "Jardin du Calvaire" again, I stand by the headline.

This has been my favorite White Burgundy find in years.

When most people think of Etienne Sauzet, they think of Puligny-Montrachet—some of the most coveted Chardonnay on the planet. But tucked away just above those famous vineyards is Sauzet's tiny monopole parcel, Jardin du Calvaire. The higher elevation keeps the wine vibrant and energetic, while the estate's meticulous farming and winemaking deliver the precision and elegance that have made Sauzet one of Burgundy's benchmark producers.

The result is a wine that punches so far above its appellation it's almost unfair. It has the citrus, white flowers, chalky minerality, and laser-focused acidity you'd expect from a fine Puligny-Montrachet. If someone poured this for me blind, I'd have a hard time believing it wasn't a Premier Cru.

And here's the best part: it sells for about a third of what you'd expect to pay for a Premier Cru Puligny.

Our first shipment disappeared in a hurry, so I didn't hesitate when the opportunity came to grab five more cases. If you've been looking for that rare Burgundy that delivers serious pedigree without the eye-watering price tag, this is it.

These won't be around for long—and frankly, I don't expect them to be.