Domaine du Pélican - Chardonnay 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A parcel-based Chardonnay still on the reserve, but with promising substance and tension. Tasted on barrel in early 2019.

About the domain :

Volnay owner Guillaume d'Angerville acquired the 5-hectare Domaine de Chavanes in 2012 and renamed it Le Pélican, the symbol of Arbois. This was followed by 4.5 hectares taken over from Jacques Puffeney and a further 5 hectares of whites at the entrance to Arbois. Managed by François Duvivier, the estate is run biodynamically, taking Pignier as its inspiration. The range, focused on Jura grape varieties (ouillés), also includes chardonnay and pinot noir, delivering a classic interpretation of their appellations. The domaine is constantly incorporating new features, with a new winery nearing completion, a first yellow wine in the pipeline, as well as trials of vin orange, cuvées parcellaires, vin de paille, vendanges tardives, vinification in whole bunches, in foudre...

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

I liked the bottled 2018 Arbois Chardonnay better than the unbottled sample I tasted last time. It's a well-made Chardonnay with toasty and spicy notes, a little creamy, well-textured, more Burgundian than most Jura Chardonnays. The wine is tasty and finishes on a saline note, with integrated oak and the signature of a fine team of winemakers.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Owned by François d'Angerville, of the famous eponymous Volnay estate, and François Duvivier, his steward, Domaine du Pélican is a recent creation. In addition to a young vineyard, replanted in 2001, the Montigny-lès-Arsures-based operation has taken over the vines of Jacques Puffeney, a historic figure in Arbois viticulture. The first wines show great technical mastery, with serene, accomplished expressions that offer a sober yet original interpretation of the region's great classics. We look forward to the first cuvées from this estate, which is destined to play a major role in the Arbois landscape.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Ripe, creamy and chalky on the nose with notes of lemon and fresh apple, straight and pure. Creamy, firm and chewy. The palate is tight and opens slowly, with a creamy, fresh finish. Pure and deep, but not with the same minerality as the Chardonnay parcellaire. Creamy and rich on aeration. Surprising depth for low alcohol.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2018 Arbois Chardonnay is absolutely delicious. Brilliant and generous, this Chardonnay represents the potential of the vintage. Lemon zest, white flowers, mint and tropical fruits, all these aromas give a very expressive wine, a warm Chardonnay. A very fine wine. The wine should be lightly aerated before tasting to allow the reduction to dissipate.