2018 Arbois Grand Curoulet Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The bottled 2018 Arbois Chardonnay Grand Courolet comes from a plot that used to belong to Robert Aviet. The wine has a spicy nose with balsamic notes of aromatic herbs, medicinal and toasty, quite showy, like it might have had the effect of some yeasts, as it sometimes makes me feel like there are some notes reminiscent of a Vin Jaune. It's a bit peaty and smoky, round and ripe and with integrated acidity.
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Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
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A new cuvée for the 2018 vintage. Domaine du Pélican purchased this parcel in 2012 from Jean-Marc Brignot. Prior to Brignot, it was owned by Robert Aviet. A north-facing parcel located on the side of a hill that dominates Arbois and the Saône plain. Grand Curoulet is said to be the first site in Arbois where vines were planted. These Chardonnay vines, young mass-selection plants, are on grey marl at the top of the parcel at 200–300 m. Grapes are lightly crushed before pressing, and fermentation is in foudres and barrels. Ageing in 500-litre barrels with no new oak. Crisper than the straight Arbois Chardonnay 2018 and really salty, mouth-watering. A little more herbal and less ripe fruit. Stony, mineral tension. Opens to a richer aroma that includes a surprising hint of apricot. Slightly chewy, so complex for a young-vines wine. (JH)