Domaine du Pélican - Savagnin Ouillé 2018

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Guillaume d’Angerville, a winegrower in Volnay, acquired the 5-hectare Chavanes estate in 2012 and renamed it Le Pélican, after the symbol of Arbois. He subsequently added 4.5 hectares taken over 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 notably 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 winery nearing completion, a first vin jaune in the works, and experiments with orange wine, single-vineyard cuvées, straw wine, late harvests, 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 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, on a leasehold basis. The first wines demonstrate great technical mastery, with serene, accomplished expressions that offer a sober yet original interpretation of the region’s great classics. 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 delicious green apple note. 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 is truly a revealing wine.