Arbois Chardonnay en Barbi, Domaine du Pélican 2020

Full bottle 1,292 g. They have been farming this parcel since 2012. It is a south-facing plot, sheltered from the winds due to its location at the end of an amphitheatre of hills around it. Its southerly exposure accounts for its early and complete maturation at harvest time. The soil is silty clay over grey marls, resulting in excellent drainage and low risk of hydric stress. En Barbi was replanted by the previous farmer and the vines are almost 20 years old. For several years, they have been vinifying En Barbi separately from the other Chardonnay plots. From 2018 they released En Barbi Chardonnay as a separate wine. Aged in 500-litre barrels (45%) and foudre (55%).
This smells elegant and refined, with herby lemon fruit and a subtle smoky/toasty note, more creamy/oaky than the straight Chardonnay 2020 but the oak is still extremely subtle. Like the Grand Curoulet, this has very high acidity but here the balance is better, with more intensity of fruit though it is still a relatively austere style with a long, salty aftertaste, but perhaps not as persistent as the Chardonnay. Needs time, and it was better on the day after opening so it would probably benefit from decanting if you drink it in its youth. (JH)