Don’t be fooled by Sarazinière’s modest cellar, small vineyard holdings, and straightforward prices—these are top-notch “insider” Burgundies for connoisseurs and wine geeks who settle for nothing less than the genuine article. But before we get into today’s gem, it’s important to stress that “insider” is not meant to be taken lightly—especially when it comes to White Burgundy, the standard by which all other Chardonnay is judged. 
Quite simply, this fabled region is the grand arbiter of terroir: Inspired by the Cistercian monks of yore, distinct single-vineyard wines reign supreme here, and centuries of division, expansion, and complex family trees have resulted in a sprawling jigsaw puzzle that would take two lifetimes to solve. So, it’s understandable that the small Domaine de la Sarazinière could easily slip past anyone’s watchful eye undetected. My sole job, however, is to make sure that doesn’t happen. Theirs are generous, cerebral wines that so clearly speak to their home terroir of Mâcon-Bussières. With Puligny-like tension, Chablis-like freshness, and Mâcon-like ripeness, “Le Pavillon” seems to pull the best traits from every major Chardonnay stronghold in Burgundy—all for $29. It can’t be found anywhere else online, either. That’s what I call a true insider wine.