2021 Chambolle-Musigny, Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi

• Style: Elegant, silky Pinot Noir
• Taste: Violets, red berries, white pepper, mineral spine
• Food: Roast chicken, mushrooms, game, aged cheese
• Occasion: Gifting, cellar worthy, unhurried supper
• Serve: 13% ABV, 70-year-old vines, chill slightly

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Burgundy's restraint and finesse shine here. Violets and red berries leap from the rim, underpinned by a whisper of spice that keeps things layered and alive. Silken tannins carry the fruit with real grace, while a lively spine of acidity drives to a clean, articulate length. At 13% alcohol, this Pinot Noir speaks of careful handling and respect for the grape's delicate architecture.

The Winery — Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi

A former ducal seat with roots to Philippe le Hardi himself, who in 1395 famously decreed that only Pinot Noir could grace the red wines of the Côte d'Or. The estate was revitalised under new ownership and investment, with winemaker François des Moutis now overseeing sensitive vinification—double sorting, cool pre-fermentation maceration, and 18 months in French oak—all aimed at letting each vineyard's character shine. The 2021 vintage, despite spring challenges and small crop across Burgundy, delivered wines of particular freshness; slow ripening during summer gave these grapes time to build depth without excess.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This wine was born for roasted chicken, braised poultry, and the earthy richness of mushroom risotto. Soft cheeses—Brie, Camembert—are natural partners, as are aged goat cheeses. The estate's 0.95 hectares in Chambolle-Musigny sit on gravelly limestone scree with eastern exposure, a site that coaxes concentration from low yields. A benchmark bottle worth discovering if you're exploring what makes this corner of the Côte de Nuits so revered. Perfect for an unhurried supper or as an introduction to France's finest—and a thoughtful gift for those seeking cellar-worthy elegance.