Peter Maude Fine Wines
2022, Domaine du Pélican, ARBOIS, Chardonnay
This cuvée is made from several different parcels located in Arbois and Montigny-lès-Arsures. The vineyards sit mostly on hilltops, over marly soils, with more clay than in the sites for the single-vineyard Chardonnays. Their elevation is the highest of the estate (close to 400 m). Fermentation in barrels and foudres. Ageing is in 350- and 500-litre barrels (of which 5% are new oak) for about 30% of the crop. The balance is in foudre and vats.
"Mid gold in colour - medium to full bodied. Lovely spicy vanilla, quite lush and mouth watering, but not too heavy. Nicely balanced."
J Charvill, May 2024.
The 2022 Chardonnay Arbois wears a distinctively reductive dress. Lemon peel, cedar and wet stone add further layers. Although round and complete on the palate, I’d wish for a little more acidity and substance. Vine age for this fruit is between 10 and 45 years. 89 Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous (2024).
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2026