2023 Mercurey Blanc Bois de Lalier, Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi

• Style: Textured white with honeysuckle, white peach, vanilla
• Taste: Crisp acidity, concentrated fruit, oak-integrated, 13% ABV
• Food: Roasted chicken, steamed lobster, buttered fish, soft cheese
• Occasion: Sunday lunch, date night, fine dining
• Serve: Pale gold, chill well, drink now through 2028

In the Glass — Tasting Notes

Honeysuckle and orchard fruit drift across the palate, supported by a whisper of vanilla from thoughtful oak handling rather than extraction. White peach and concentrated flavour shine through, balanced by crisp acidity that keeps the wine alive and refreshing. At 13% alcohol, this sits between restraint and ripeness—a Chardonnay that tastes like somewhere real, not a formula.

The Winery — Domaine du Château Philippe le Hardi

The estate, formerly Château de Santenay, carries centuries of Burgundian heritage back to Philippe le Hardi, the first Duke of Burgundy. After challenging times, the property was reinvigorated by new ownership in 2010, with significant investment including a modern cuverie built in 2014. Chef de Cave François des Moutis now steers the domaine's focus towards revealing the quality of single-vineyard expression. The 2023 vintage encountered excellent ripening conditions after a cool start. Clay and limestone soils of Mercurey produced mature grapes without sacrificing structure. Careful vineyard and cellar sorting, pneumatic pressing, and twelve-hour settling preserved freshness. The wine matured equally in stainless steel vats and oak barrel—the balanced split ensures oak feels integrated and texture-building rather than dominant.

At Your Table — Food Pairing & Serving

This is made for roasted chicken with butter sauce, steamed lobster, soft cheese—the classic pairing partners of fine white Burgundy. Buttered fish, poultry, and mushroom-based dishes all sing alongside it. Pour it cool, allow a moment's attention in the glass, and discover why Mercurey remains one of France's great value discoveries for those exploring Chardonnay beyond the Côte d'Or. This wine sits comfortably within our Whites with Oak selection. Vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Drink now through 2028.