Domaine du Pélican - Savagnin Ouillé 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Guillaume d’Angerville, a landowner in Volnay, acquired the Chavanes estate (5 hectares) in 2012 and renamed it Le Pélican, the symbol of Arbois. He subsequently added 4.5 hectares purchased from Jacques Puffeney, as well as another 5 hectares of white wine vineyards located at the entrance to Arbois. Managed by François Duvivier, the estate is run biodynamically, drawing inspiration in particular from Pignier. The lineup, focused on Jura grape varieties (ouillés), also includes Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering a classic interpretation of their appellations. The estate continues to embrace innovation, with a new winemaking facility nearing completion, its first vin jaune in the works, and experiments with orange wine, single-vineyard cuvées, straw wine, late-harvest wines, whole-cluster vinification, and aging in large oak casks...

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

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

About the estate:

Owned by François d'Angerville, of the famous eponymous estate in Volnay, and by François Duvivier, his estate manager, the Domaine du Pélican is a recent venture. In addition to a young vineyard, replanted starting in 2001, the estate—based in Montigny-lès-Arsures—has taken over the vineyards of Jacques Puffeney, a historic figure in Arbois viticulture, under a lease agreement. The first wines demonstrate great technical mastery, with serene, accomplished expressions that offer an interpretation of the region’s great classics that is both understated and original. We eagerly await the first vintages aged under a veil from this estate, which is poised to play a major role in the Arbois wine scene.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

It has a remarkable aromatic intensity characteristic of Savagnin: green fruits and a rich, juicy green apple. Intense, deep, and powerful, yet also elegant, with a hint of spice and fresh grass. Fabulous depth, energy, and length.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2018 Arbois Savagnin Ouillé is fabulous. It offers an enticing blend of dried apricots, white flowers and crushed petals, marzipan, and chamomile. The flavors are harmonious, with an oily texture and a hint of reduction that adds character. Despite its pronounced notes of exotic fruits, the 2018 remains fresh and mineral, with a vibrant sensation that’s impossible to forget. It’s truly a revealing wine.