2018 Domaine du Pelican Arbois Chardonnay En Barbi (750ml)

"This is a fabulous set of 2018s from Domaine du Pélican, Guillaume d'Angerville's Jura property. D'Angerville created his estate through the acquisition of three smaller estates starting in 2012 and culminating with Jacques Puffeney's vineyards in 2015 and then a smaller piece in 2017. All of these parcels have been farmed biodynamically, in line with d'Angerville's own concepts. At Domaine du Pélican d'Angerville favors shorter élevage than at Volnay, with minimal new oak and a preference for larger format oak. Two thousand eighteen marks the first release of a number of single-vineyard wines, and d'Angerville's first Pinot from Jura. These are special, artisan wines that are very much worth exploring." - Antonio Galloni (Vinous)

The Chardonnay En Barbi used to be only bottled in Magnums so this is its first appearance in 750s. The fruit comes from a south-facing plot at up to 400 m that is sheltered from the wind. The soil is silty clay over grey marl, with excellent drainage and low risk of hydric stress. Vines are approximately 15 years old. It is aged in 350- and 500-litre barrels (50% of total); 30% in foudre and 20% in vats.

"The 2018 Arbois Chardonnay En Barbi races out of the glass with a stunning display of energy and mineral-drenched energy. Lemon oil, white flowers, almond, chamomile and crushed rocks are some of the many notes that infuse the 2018 with tons of character. Ample and yet sculpted, the 2018 is a wine of total class. In this lineup, the En Barbi is marked by a brilliant aromatic upper register. In a word: dazzling!" 95 points - Antonio Galloni (Vinous, September 2020)

"Riper than the Grand Curoulet, fuller in the mouth, but more herbal too and a little bit spicy. This has a terrific combination of depth and mouth-watering freshness as well as great persistence. A definite fruit sweetness on the nose and then marked freshness and saltiness on the long, long finish." 17.5/20 - Julia Harding MW (jancisrobinson.com, Feb. 2020)