Domaine Drouhin Oregon, PO Box 700,
Dundee, Oregon 97115
Tel: 001 503 864 2700 Fax: 001 503 864 3377
UK importer: Metzendorff & Co
Owned by Joseph Drouhin of Burgundy, this is a winery with a
deserved reputation for producing one of Oregon's best Pinot Noirs.
While I wasn't keen on the Chardonnay, I was bowled over by the two
Pinot Noir cuvées. Super stuff. The wines were presented by Veronique
Boss-Drouhin, who oversees the winemaking. The estate currently has 82
ha planted.
1997 Chardonnay
Bright fruity nose showing boiled sweets. Good balance and oaking
but not my style. Good/very good
1998 Pinot Noir
Deep cherry red colour with a lovely nose of bright smoky fruit.
The palate shows good firm tannins and high acidity, with real
complexity. Not overblown, this is attractive and full. Very
good/excellent
1996 Pinot Noir Cuvée Laurène
Delicious nose of herbs, undergrowth, tobacco and sweet fruit.
Great balance on the palate with firm tannins and good acidity; some
non-fruit complexity emerging. Delicious. Very good/excellent
1997 Pinot Noir
This was a dodgy vintage in Oregon. Pale in colour with a sweet
cherry nose. Clean, fresh and bright with some complexity, but quite
light. Attractive in a new world style. Very good
1997 Pinot Noir Cuvée Laurène
There's a nice pungency to the bright nose, with some smoky/herbal
character. Bright cherry fruit on the palate; medium density. Another
attractive wine. Very good+