2025 · Merlot IGP Pays d’Oc

La Cour des Dames is an independent producer founded in 1995 by Laurent Delaunay, who also serves as head winemaker. Based near Nuits-Saint-Georges, it takes a Burgundy-inspired but varietal-focused approach, producing Merlot, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc under the IGP Pays d’Oc label. The estate is privately owned by Delaunay, with no corporate ownership indicated. Notes emphasize sustainable farming practices, but only where directly tied to this producer; overall, the picture is of a modest-scale, independently run winery focused on hands-on production rather than a large estate model.