Description
Château de Laborde, under the direction of Hervé Kerlann, is based just outside Beaune and has become known for producing characterful Burgundies from the Hautes-Côtes appellations. The estate combines owned vineyards with careful sourcing, working in a style that prioritises fruit purity, balance and accessible expressions of Burgundy’s hillside terroirs. Winemaking is carried out with a focus on precision rather than excess extraction or heavy oak influence, aiming to preserve the natural vibrancy of each vintage.
The Hautes-Côtes de Beaune Blanc 2022 is made from 100% Chardonnay grown on higher-altitude vineyards west of the Côte de Beaune. These elevated sites benefit from cooler conditions, which help retain freshness and acidity even in warmer vintages. The soils—primarily limestone and clay—contribute a distinct tension and minerality, giving the wine its energetic and linear profile.
Vinification is typically carried out with gentle pressing and controlled fermentation, followed by ageing in a combination of stainless steel and oak barrels. The use of oak is kept moderate to support texture without masking the fruit, allowing the Chardonnay to express both its natural richness and its underlying freshness. The result is a wine that sits comfortably between purity and subtle complexity.
In the glass, the 2022 vintage reveals a bright, luminous profile with aromas of lemon zest, green apple, pear and white flowers. On the palate, it is supple and rounded at first, then quickly lifted by a fresh acidity and a fine mineral drive that brings precision and length. Subtle notes of light vanilla and toasted almond add gentle complexity without dominating the fruit core.
A versatile and food-friendly white Burgundy, this wine pairs easily with seafood, grilled fish, poultry or creamy vegetable dishes. Both immediately enjoyable and capable of short-term ageing, it reflects the hallmark style of Hervé Kerlann’s approach: approachable, fruit-driven Burgundy with clarity, balance and a strong sense of place.
