Vineyard and winemaking
Mercurey lies in the Côte Chalonnaise, where rolling limestone and clay slopes give Pinot Noir a character that combines generous red fruit with the freshness and savoury detail associated with Burgundy. This La Bondue bottling is made entirely from Pinot Noir, with the 2015 vintage bringing natural ripeness and a composed, mature profile.
The wine has been shaped to retain its fruit while gaining structure and subtle complexity from maturation. Now fully evolved in bottle, it should be handled gently and served in a generous glass; standing the bottle upright before opening will help any natural sediment settle.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Clear garnet-red, softening towards brick at the rim as befits a mature Pinot Noir.
Nose
Open and fragrant, with macerated strawberry, red cherry and dried rose joined by vanilla, woodland floor and a gentle note of sweet spice.
Palate
Dry and poised, with supple red fruit at the centre and fine, resolved tannins. Savoury mushroom and autumn-leaf notes now sit alongside the remaining berry fruit, while a light touch of oak adds breadth without obscuring Mercurey's characteristic freshness. The finish is balanced, earthy and quietly persistent.
Food pairing
Well suited to roast guinea fowl with thyme, pork tenderloin with mushrooms, duck and lentil casserole, or a mature Brie de Meaux. Serve at around 16°C and avoid overly powerful sauces, which may overwhelm the wine's mature delicacy.
Background story
Arthur Barolet founded his family wine business in Beaune in 1830. The house became established as a Burgundy négociant-éleveur, selecting wines from across the region and overseeing their maturation and bottling in its own cellars.
Mercurey is among the Côte Chalonnaise's most respected red-wine appellations, valued for Pinot Noir that can offer both immediate charm and the ability to develop savoury nuance with age. Bottle evolution varies, so this 2015 should be assessed on opening and enjoyed once its fruit and mature complexity are in balance.
