Domaine Drouhin Oregon

Owner(s) Maison Robert Drouhin
Web site www.domainedrouhin.com
 
Link to this site
Domaine Drouhin Oregon

This French-owned winery is one of the most visible and consistently fine producers of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. Veronique Drouhin has crafted the wines here in every vintage since the beginning in 1988. The Pinot Noirs show more elegance and less power than many Oregon Pinot Noirs and they age extremely well. Three Pinot Noirs are produced from the 90 acres of estate densely planted Pinot Noir: Willamette Valley Cuvée, Cuvée Laurène and Cuvée Louise. The limited Louise bottling is one of the greatest Pinot Noirs produced in Oregon and is modeled after wines from Burgundy's Musigny Vineyard. A Chardonnay program was begun in 1996 and in 2008 a Rosé was produced for the first time.

The winery has Oregon's largest wine industry solar system, a 94.5 kW installation from Tanner Creek Energy. The 225-acre estate is certified sustainable by LIVE. Veronique's brother, Phillipe, handles viticulture, with Leigh Bartholomew acting as vineyard manager.

In 2014, the winery bought Roserock Vineyard, an established 279-acre vineyard (112 acres under vine) in the Eola-Amity Hills. The soils here are volcanic but more Nekia series than Jory which prevails in the Dundee Hills. It is also cooler than the winery's original property, and more variations in aspect.

Edition Limitée Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were released for the first time with the 2012 vintage. An Edition Willamette Valley Pinot Noir was first released in 2015 from the 2013 vintage priced at $30. This is an elegant, forward-drinking wine. Total production in 2014 was 18,000 cases, of which 100% is estate grown.

The wines are sold in the tasting room, on the website and through retail channels.

Articles About Domaine Drouhin Oregon

2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noirs: Time to Pop the Corks? (10.4 2/8/2015)
2011 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans First Team (8.47 12/20/2011)
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Honorable Mention (9.17 12/26/2012)
2012 Oregon Pinot Noir All-Americans Second Team (9.17 12/26/2012)
Domaine Drouhin Oregon: Burgundy’s First Footprint in Oregon (8.20 8/24/2010)
Domaine Drouhin Oregon: Burgundy’s First Footprint in Oregon Still Leaves an Impression (10.42 11/19/2016)
Domaine Drouhin Oregon: New World’s Burgundy Presence (9.7 5/9/2012)
Domaine Drouhin: Burgundy’s Footprint in Oregon (6.59 5/26/2008)
IPNC: The Grand Seminar (11.8 8/27/2017)
Mining Oregon’s Willamette Valley for Good Pinot Noir Priced at or Less Than $30 (11.37 1/17/2019)
More 2010 Oregon Pinot Noirs (9.11 9/11/2012)
More Sips of 2008 Oregon Pinot Noir (8.30 1/27/2011)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (7.2 9/15/2008)
More Sips of Noiregon Pinot (8.17 6/21/2010)
More Sips of Oregon Pinot Noir (7.23 8/17/2009)
Oregon Pinot Briefs (9.7 5/9/2012)
Oregon Pinot Noir 2004 (6.15 2/12/2007)
Pinot Briefs (9.39 3/29/2014)
Pinot Briefs (9.12 10/1/2012)
Plenty of Oregon ’08 and ’09 Pinot Bounty in the Marketplace Oregon (8.45 11/1/2011)
Recent Sips of Pinot Noir (9.48 10/6/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Chardonnays (9.50 11/21/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Oregon Pinot Noir (9.50 11/21/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted Wines (9.38 2/22/2014)
Small Sips of Oregon Pinot (8.6 11/29/2009)
Small Sips of the Rest (6.52 1/30/2008)
Tasting the Six Appellations with Grape Radio (7.7 12/17/2008)
When I’m Sixty-Four (6.37 8/24/2007)

Reviewed Wines

2016 Petites Secondes Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $25. Grown, produced and bottled by the Drouhin Family, Dayton, Oregon. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Scents of black cherry, brown spices, toast and underbrush. Velvety in the mouth, with pleasing mid weight flavors of black cherry and savory herbs. Well-balanced, with a subtle oak backdrop and well-mannered tannins. A lovely wine for this price. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Édition Limitée Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.9% alc., 125 cases, $65. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of ocean breeze, wet rock, creme soda, and a hit of butter and toast. A nicely balanced and sophisticated wine, with flavors of green apple, pear, Kaffir lime, and a back note of salinity, energized by lively acidity, finishing with a persistent lemon peel theme. Still solid when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle predicting age ability. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2017 ARTICLE »

2015 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Édition Limitée Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 232 cases, $85. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. A complex nose offers an array of scents including blackberry, blueberry-pomegranate, white pepper, dark rose petal, violet and timber. Rather sappy and luscious in a mid weight plus style with robust flavors of blackberry fruit with accents of spice and toasty oak. Well-structured yet tannins are reigned in enough to allow early drinking. Very pleasing, with a lengthy finish, but with a sense of higher alcohol. Score: 93. Reviewed August 27, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, dark raspberry, spice and nutty oak entice. Noticeable sap and structure and in this warm vintage, yet the wine retains a comfortable demeanor. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and spice carry through an expansive mid palate to a gratifying finish. Round and smooth in the mouth with refined tannins make for easy drinking now. Score: 92. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Domaine Drouhin Oregon RoseRock Zéphirine Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $60. Volcanic soils, cool temperatures and ideal elevation at this certified sustainable (LIVE) vineyard site named after the Drouhin variety of climbing rose known for its fragrance and beauty. A barrel selection revealing the best expression of the site. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose offers good depth and intensity of dark fruit aromas. Mid to full-bodied on the palate, with generous and charming flavors of blackberry, cassis and black raspberry backed by conspicuously firm tannins. Silky in texture with a generous follow through on the finish. A departure from the DDO Dundee Hills Pinot Noirs and that is a good thing. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the tannins had become more enmeshed and I believe this wine will continue to assimilate with a few years in bottle. Score: 91-92. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Laurène Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $70. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. A flirty nose reveals aromas of dusty rose and cherry. Less sap and tannin than the 2012 vintage with a redder fruit profile. This wine has more approachability and more verve, offering a mid weight essence of juicy dark red cherry fruit. The finish is sustained but more shallow than the 2012 version of this wine, yet is thirst quenching and pleasing. Both the 2012 and 2013 Lauréne Pinot Noirs are still available from the winery and represent an ideal study in the differences in the two disparate vintages. This wine should easily age another 5 to 10 years. Score: 92. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $35. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Quite aromatic upon opening with scents of dark cherries, black raspberries, forest floor and a hint of rose petal. Mid weight flavors of darker cherries, raspberries and spice with a subtle oak sheen in the background. The core is fruity rather than complex. Somewhat reticent upon opening and a bit awkward. Big-boned and ripe for this bottling in this vintage and not showing the elegance and finesse that this bottling is known for. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine was much more expressive and together, with bright flavors of dark red berries including strawberries, and cherries and spice. DDO wines have a history of admirable age ability and I would be in no hurry to drink this wine which needs at least another year in the cellar. Available from the winery in magnum and jeroboam formats. Score: 89. Reviewed February 22, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $38. This wine was previously reviewed in February 2014, and I noted then that the wine would benefit from further aging. This tasting confirms my prediction and the wine is showing considerably better. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of dark cherry liquor, strawberry and spice. Mid to full-bodied and very tasty on the attack with waves of black cherry and black raspberry fruit that engage the consumer with sappy hedonism. The tannins are well matched to the generous fruit load, and there is enough acidity to add tension. The fruit really hangs on to the generous finish. This is a bigger, riper and more concentrated bottling than usual but most will embrace the Caliesque style for its glorious fruit. Score: 91. Reviewed October 6, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Limitée Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 149 cases, $65. Exclusively estate vineyards. Produced from some of the oldest (over 20 Years) Dijon clones on the Estate. Hand-picked, hand-sorted and pressed whole cluster. Fermented in French oak barrels ()one-third new, one-third once-used, and one-third neutral) After 11 months, the favorite barrels were selected. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromatically engaging with scents of lemon drop, dried mango, golden apple and marzipan. Light on its feet, crisp and very sleek, this wine is infused with citrus and apple goodness with very little intrusion of oak. Refreshing, with some length on the bright finish. Definitely French stylistically, with a purity of fruit that is striking. One of the best Oregon Chardonnays I have experienced in recent memory. Score: 93. Reviewed November 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Laurène Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $70. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry and raw beef pick up interest over time in the glass. Juicy and alert on the palate, with a mid weight plus sappy core of blueberry and black cherry fruits framed by a firm, supportive tannic spine. Plenty to like about this wine with an impressively long, dark berry fueled finish. This wine releases its charms progressively with each sip. It can be enjoyed now with decanting, but has the balance to age magnificently for another 5 to 15 years. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, there was more fruit talking and the wine had taken on a seductively smooth personality. Score: 94. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2011 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Louise Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Very pleasant aromas of dark pie cherry, Cremini mushroom and subtle oak. Mid weight flavors of dark red berries and black cherries have a vibrant and juicy tone. Substantial tannins tend to outweigh the modest sap and creep up on the finish that nevertheless has good length of fruit goodness. The oak overlay tends to bring more attention to the wine than is desirable. Overall, a satisfying wine that honestly reflects the cool vintage. Drink or hold until 2020. Score: 90. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2011 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Édition Limitée Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., 245 cases, $85. Estate grown. Mostly from a single block planted in 1998, with a little of a neighboring block planted in 1999. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of oak-kissed black cherry, sandalwood and baking spice. Very tight and not particularly gregarious, with a medium bodied core of black cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruits buried in oak and brutish tannins. A little more fruit and spice peeks out and the tannins are slightly softer the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Three days later, the opened wine is beginning to shine. This wine is built for the long-haul, and will not appeal if drunk now unless vigorously decanted. Score: 90-91. Reviewed November 19, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Typical Dundee Hills aromas and flavors of red cherries and wild strawberries. Very light, even thin, with a lacy delicacy, offering polished tannins and a bright, cherry-driven finish. Not particularly expressive at this stage, lacking interest and impact, but based on the history of this wine picking up interest over time and having excellent age ability, I would give it a chance. Decent. Reviewed September 12, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Louise Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A moody nose offers scents of black fruits, oak and mushroom. Fullbodied, with a rich endowment of purple and black berry flavors. Noticeable tannins, yet very charming, with a velvety mouthfeel and a silky finish. A mouthful of well ripened fruit is reflective of this warm vintage. Drink or hold until 2025. Score: 93. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2009 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Rosé

14.1% alc., 450 cases, $20. The second time a rosé has been released at DDO. · Coral color in the glass. Bright peach and strawberry flavors with a crisp and refreshing finish. Will work beautifully with grilled salmon. Good. Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2009 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $40. · Light reddish-purple color the glass. Classic Dundee Hills perfume of red cherries, strawberries, sandalwood and a hint of spice holding up nicely over extended time in the glass. Moderately intense flavors that echo the nose make an impression on the mid-palate, complimented with an underpinning of faintest oak, and ending with a very long cherry-driven finish. Not as big and splashy as many 2009 Oregon Pinot Noirs, but a very charming example of power with finesse. Very approachable now but has the balance to last 10 to 15 years. Very good (+). Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. A selection of the finest lots from the estate vineyard, produced since 1992. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Intriguing aromas of black cherry pie glaze, brown spices, leather, smoke and vanilla. Delicious mid weight flavors of very ripe black cherry and raspberry fruits with a hint of smoky oak. Close, but not yet supple, with modest dry, fine-grain tannins. The finish is long and pleasing with a flourish of cherry goodness. Enjoyable now, but would hold mid to long term. Score: 91. Reviewed February 8, 2015 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. Unreleased. · Red in color in the glass. Oak supersedes the fruit aromas now with prominent coffee and toffee scents. Elegant and refined flavors of red berries and cherries with a touch of spice and sandalwood. Still young and tight but has the goods. Very good. Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Arthur Willamette Valley Chardonnay

14% alc., $30. 100% estate fruit. Vinified 50% in stainless steel and 50% in barrel. · Pleasing aromas of white stone fruits, citrus and wet rocks. Demure flavors of white peaches and creme bruleé with no oak imprint and a bright, pure fruit finish. Always one of my favorite Oregon Chardonnays. Very good. Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $34 (winery retail is $40). Natural yeast fermentation. Aged in 20% new French Oak barrels. 21st vintage. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Beautifully fruited perfume with accents of toasty oak and coffee. Delicious and suave, with vibrant flavors of cherry pie, red currant and strawberries that persist on the long and lush finish. The soft mouth feel is downright seductive. A stellar young wine that will last 15 years and should be part of any serious pinotphile’s cellar. There are few competitors in Oregon that produce such consistently excellent, elegant and age worthy wines vintage after vintage. Reviewed January 27, 2011 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Laurène Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $65. · Medium garnet color in the glass. Powerfully aromatic with a perfume of fresh cherry tart and red berry mash, with hints of coffee and sandalwood. Delicious core of dark red fruits that are mouthfilling and rich supported by moderate refined tannins and oak-driven mocha java flavor. Endless echo of scent and fruit on the finish. Needs more time to fully integrate the oak. Relatively elegant for a 2008 vintage Oregon Pinot Noir and more approachable than many. A 2011 PinotFile All-American and deservedly so. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2008 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Laurène Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $65. A finest lots selection named after Véronique’s elder daughter and first produced in 1992. Available in magnum ($150) and Jeroboam ($325) formats. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The fruit aromas have not completely arrived in the wine, so the scent of dark red cherries and berries is overshadowed by oak. Bright and lively flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, cola, and sassafras led by oak undertones that are prominent at this immature stage. A serious, polished wine that is moderately intense and structured, yet displaying an admirable elegance, and finishing like a three hour movie you don’t want to end. You could drink a bottle now, but it would be a crime as the wine needs several years to emerge and shed its oak wrap. Reviewed November 2, 2011 ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. 100% de-stemmed, vinified at the four-level gravity flow winery. Aged in approximately 20% new French oak barrels which are custom made in Burgundy. 95% estate fruit. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy dark red cherry and berry aromas with hints of spice and oak. Crisp and juicy dark red cherry and raspberry melange with an underpinning of savory herbs and spices. Lacking in nuances but drinking nicely. An impressive effort from a challenging Oregon vintage. This is a winery you can rely on for consistency. Very good Reviewed June 22, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $40. · Bright berry perfume including blueberries. Moderately rich dark red fruits wrapped in soft tannins and brought to life with bright acidity. Like many Oregon 2007 Pinots, this one is drinking beautifully now and has the impeccable balance to age. Very good (+). Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $45. · The aromas draw you in with an enticing perfume of red strawberries and cherries, spice, red hots and the slightest hint of oak. Impressive richness for a 2007 vintage Oregon Pinot Noir but still discreetly concentrated. Highly nuanced flavor profile with the focus on red cherry and berry fruit accented by citrus, herbal, mineral and earth notes. The fruit is still a bit reticent showing increasing leg with time in the glass. Soft in the mouth with dusty tannins, a lively spark of acidity and a dry finish. Impeccable balance and impressive vibrancy. This is a dependable wine that is consistently fine with a track record of age ability, regardless of the vagaries of vintage. Reviewed November 29, 2009 ARTICLE »

2007 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 2,450 cases, $65. · Much more showy than the 2006 vintage with intense aromas of black cherries, cut flowers and lavender. The delicious dark red and plumy fruit attacks the mid palate with a vengeance, persisting lavishly on the pleasing finish. Has the tannic backbone and balancing acidity to easily go 12 years. Very good (++). Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Cuvée Louise Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Charming aromas of black cherry, spice, sous-bois and even a touch of barnyard. Engaging and velvety on entry with a discreet concentration of dark fruits accented with hints of tar, black tea, raisin and nutty oak. The fruit ripeness reflects the warm vintage, yet the wine is quite elegant. The finish is gratifyingly long, but a hint of alcoholic warmth shows up. Blessed with a modest aged patina, this wine will still hold until 2021 or beyond. Score: 93. Reviewed November 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $39. · An immensely satisfying and highcollared red cherry and berry melange, smoothly textured and displaying a welcome mineral and aciddriven liveliness and refined tannins. I have found several tasters who prefer more intense and hedonistic fruit to be disappointed in this wine but I find it remarkably pinotypical. Reviewed December 17, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $39. Hand-picked, hand-sorted and de-stemmed at the four-level gravity flow winery. Fermentations are lengthy. Aged in approximately 20% new French oak barrels custom made for DDO in Burgundy. · Really lovely perfume of ripe strawberries, raspberries, candied apple and a hint of warm cookies and baking spice. Heavenly nose. Rich on the palate without being cloying. Hi-toned red fruits are featured with a gentle accent of oak, cigar box, graham and toll house cookies. Good structural bones for aging with some tannins to shed. Very softly textured and an appealing gentleness that exemplifies Pinot delicacy. Reviewed August 17, 2009 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. · Bright and fresh sporting red berry and red cherry fruit with a razor sharp finish. Like a frisky, young pony. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. · This wine is as different from the 2005 version as night and day. Scents of bright red cherries and strawberries, a veritable “farmer’s market” of summer fruit. Vigorous and open with plenty of raspberry, Chinese 5 spice and subtle oak char flavor. Still young and a tad tight, but it would be hard to keep your hands off this one now. A flat-out beautiful wine. (The 2005 DDO Laurene has just been released). Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2006 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. · Hi-tone aromas of cherries, garden herbs, dried rose petals and seasoned oak. A bit austere and tight offering more aromatics than flavors. There are plenty of red fruits undercover. Very good (-). Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Laurène Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued aromas of berries, ripe grapes, cassis, shitake mushroom, oak, and cherries sprinkled with flowers. Richly endowed with a core of ripe dark cherry and black raspberry fruit. A bit linear and unevolved, becoming more expressive over time in the glass. The fruit is still buried in tannin and the wine is rather monolithic now, but the potential is obvious. Be patient on this one. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Louise Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued, but pleasing aromas of dark red and black berries, with hints of leather, dark chocolate and oak. Fills the mouth with an overreaching core of black grape and black raspberry fruit clothed in polished tannins. Sophisticated and caressing in personality, with a finish that is long and opulent. Crafted for the long term, but hard to ignore now. More giving than the Laurène at this stage. An exceptional wine of uncommon pedigree. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Still primary aromatic character offering scents of fresh black cherries and dark red berries, with a hint of forest floor and oak. Rich dark red berry core with a subtle smoky, tarry note. Fresh and juicy, polished and silky, with a firm tannic backbone. Doesn’t have the finish of the prestige cuvèes, but a solid wine that is reflective of a big, hearty vintage. Very good. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $45. · The aromatics are redolent of a fresh cherry pie. In the mouth the cherry attack continues and the whole package is beautifully balanced. A bit angular due to its youth, but offering an enticing glimpse of what is to come. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $45. This winery represents the first Burgundian presence in Oregon, begun in 1987 by Maison Joseph Drouhin. The 225 acre estate in the Dundee Hills is under the leadership of fourth generation winemaker, Veronique Drouhin-Boss. · Caution: this wine takes at least 30 minutes to come together after popping the cork, but even then it is a tight and stubborn wine that needs more time. Plenty of herbs, hay, and marzipan on the nose. Tart cherry compote which reluctantly reveals its charms accentuated by earth, herbs and oak. Silky and seamless. Like the Dark Knight, suave but sinister. Reviewed September 15, 2008 ARTICLE »

2005 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $45. · Fruit plays a minor role in the nose which shows noticeable oak, earthiness, and mineral- imbibed red cherries.. Demure red fruits are simple with plentiful oak, a strong tannic backbone, soft mouth feel and an acid kick on the backend. Not yet up to the high level of the 2004 vintage of this wine. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Back on track with this vintage. A lovely and complex Pinot Noir showing an enticing herbal theme that runs through DDO wines. Grand in every way. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Laurène Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Initially the nose offers scents of leather, toast and soy, evolving slowly to reveal engaging dark red fruit aromas. Mid weight flavors of dark red and blue fruits, especially dark raspberry, with a slight herbal and soy tone. Well structured with impressive fruit-filled length on the finish. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Louise Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · The aromas really draw you in, offering an engaging perfume of perfectly ripe black cherries, savory herbs and subtle oak. There are not enough superlatives to adequately describe this wine. A few that come to mind are luscious, seamless, velvety, and incredible. Enticing upon opening, the wine becomes silkier and livelier with air. The wine displays remarkable fruit intensity, but is very light on its feet and impeccably balanced. Many years of pleasure ahead. Veronique talks about great wines producing emotion, and this wine elicited a multitude of them for me. Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Salud Cuvee

The Salud cuvee. Very pretty nose featuring demure red fruits. Tangy cherry and cranberry flavors with a dry and lively finish. Very refreshing to drink and quite nice. Tasted November 7, 2008. Reviewed --/--/--

2004 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Ripe fruit aromas of dark currants, dark red cherry, raisin, tea leaf, spice and exotic wood. Moderately rich and tasty featuring ripe fruit flavors of black raspberries and cherries with a hint of sassafras and chicory. Soft tannins, bright acidity, polished texture and a lively finish. A few more years of life ahead. Good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Array of pleasing aromas including cut flowers, Provencal herbs and strawberries. Juicy core of red berries and cherries with savory herbal notes leading to a dry finish. Still has plenty of life ahead. Very good. Reviewed August 24, 2010 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $45. This French-owned winery is one of the most visible and consistently fine producers of Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. Veronique Drouhin has crafted the wines here in every vintage since the beginning in 1988. She calls the 2004 vintage, released in January, 2007, “the quintessential Pinot Noir.” · This wine is still very young and closed and needs some air time if you want to drink it now. It is marked by great purity and finesse over fruit heaviness, both hallmarks of Domaine Drouhin. The nose is redolent of red fruits including strawberries. A silky body of fruit (think dry cherries) is uplifted by bright acidity. There are still some notable tannins on the finish that will resolve with cellaring. Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noirs are very age worthy so keep a few bottles in your cellar for down the road. Reviewed February 12, 2007 ARTICLE »

2004 Domaine Drouhin Laurène Dundee Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., $65. This wine is made from the finest lots of grapes from Drouhin’s 225-acre estate. It is named after Veronique Drouhin’s oldest daughter. The first vintage was 1992. · Not offering a lot on the nose yet with shy black cherry and wood spice. Solid mélange of black stone fruits with fine-grain tannins. Plenty of French sensibility and the structure to develop nicely over the coming years. Terrific potential that will reward patience. Reviewed January 30, 2008 ARTICLE »

2003 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · A warm vintage in Oregon creating a wine of significant color and extraction but more simple and singularly fruit-driven. You make what the vintage gives you, but this wine is atypical for the DDO style. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2003 Domaine Drounin Cuvée Louise Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Very big in structure and ripe in style. Copious amounts of rich, plush red and dark fruits. Reflective of the very hot vintage. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2002 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · The string of excellent vintages continues and this beauty is right in step. Certainly drinkable now, but has many more years ahead. Tasty berry and cherry fruit blended together creating a broad presence on the palate. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2002 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Laurène Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Initially the nose is muted, but responding nicely to swirling, developing an attractive perfume of fresh black cherries. Moderately rich and attractive flavors of dark red berries, black cherries and black plums with subtle oak unveil themselves slowly in the glass. Ripe, firm tannins, admirable balance, and impressive length on the finish. This wine has several years of fine drinking ahead. Decant if you drink now. Very good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2002 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Louise Drouhin Family Estate Dundee Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex and beguiling with aromas that dance in and out of the glass including black cherries, fennel, balsam and Herbs de Provence. Soft and smooth on the palate with discreetly concentrated flavors of dark red cherries and berries, tea and fresh herbs. The tannins are refined and supple, and the sensuous mouth feel is a real delight. The finish is extraordinary long with fruit flavors lingering for what seems like a minute. Still beautiful the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. An exceptional, suave wine that that really grabs your attention. Reviewed May 24, 2012 ARTICLE »

2002 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of leather wallet, tea leaf, cigar box and a hint of toast. Lively flavors of spiced black cherries and red berries with a hint of leaf and earth in the background. Medium weighted and light on the palate. The wine is remarkably fresh upon opening for a ten-year-old wine, but over time in the glass it fades some with tannins surfacing that supersede the fruit. Tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had faded further and the fruit tasted pruney. Drink up. Good (+). Reviewed May 11, 2012 ARTICLE »

2001 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Deep aromas of crushed berries and wild herbs. More density and cherry fruit than the previous vintage, highlighted by musk, earth and spice. An outstanding wine that warrants a special occasion. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2001 Domaine Drouhin Cuvée Laurène Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Similar to the Classique of this vintage, but ramped up a notch. Seems awkward at this stage with an unusual medicinal note dampening my enthusiasm for it. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2000 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Fine but not spectacular. Attractive, but demure herbal-toned Pinot fruits, soft tannins, and a clean finish. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

2000 Domaine Drouhin Cuvée Laurène Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · A robust wine that is gentle and perfumed, yet sweet and dense on the palate, exhibiting more density and dark fruits than the Classique wine of the same vintage. The core of gentle tannins is wrapped in layers of fruit. A Pinot Noir love letter. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1999 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · I wrote “great” and that pretty much says it all. Redolent of ripe cherries, cassis, musk and hay, with a silky and plush mouth feel. Perfectly harmonious, this wine is poetic. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1999 Domaine Drouhin Cuvée Louise Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. First year for this wine, only 75 cases. · A magnificent combination of power and finesse. Wilted roses and ripe red cherries in the nose, Great expression of Pinot fruit on the palate. Immensely satisfying and probably net yet at its nadir. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1998 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · Deep in color and showing rich, ripe red fruit flavors with herbal accents. Nicely balanced and perfectly fine now. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1997 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · The lightest wine in the lineup. Very shallow fruit, simple and linear with racy acidity on the finish. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1996 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · A very delicate Pinot Noir that is fading and out of balance, with brisk acidity to the forefront. Still a respectable drink with food. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1995 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. · The 1995 through 1997 vintages were difficult ones in Oregon. The 1995 remains the best of the trio in my mind. There is still plenty of fruit here with secondary notes of leather, mushroom, barnyard, and cedar showing up. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1994 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. · More showy with lush, velvety Pinot fruit. The aromatics are quite enticing featuring cherries, green tea and floral accents. No oak to be found. Quite impressive and would attract California Pinot Noir lovers in heat. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1993 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.0% alc.. · From a particularly good vintage and one of Veronique’s favorites for its good acidity. Complex nose of herbs and musk leading to tart red fruit flavors. Zippy acidity on the finish produces a refreshing conclusion. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

1992 Domaine Drouhin Classique Pinot Noir

13.5% alc.. · Still flaunting admirable color and freshness, this beautiful wine was soft and smooth, showing attractive hay and cookie dough aromas and elegant spice-kissed cherry flavors. A ringer for a well-aged Cote de Beaune wine. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »

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