2017 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurene
2017 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurene 2017 marked their 30th Anniversary in Oregon, and the 2017 Laurène marks the 26th release of this cuvée named for their daughter. The wine has charm and character—vibrant, yet restrained, which allows the vintage’s detail to be expressed. On the nose, the 2017 Laurène carries notes of pure, sweet cherry, pomegranate, baking spice, ripe blackberries, wild herbs, and fresh sage. While intensely woven now, a few years of cellaring will reveal silk, elegance, and expressive depth of texture. I trust this wine will age for 8-10 years effortlessly.
Domaine Drouhin
Established in 1987, Domaine Drouhin Oregon is owned by famed Burgundy producer, Maison Joseph Drouhin. Hand-crafted by fourth generation winemaker, Veronique Drouhin-Boss, the distinctive Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays of Domaine Drouhin are prized for their elegance, balance and finesse, as well as their ability to age. Philippe Drouhin, Veronique’s brother, is in charge of viticulture and has earned an international reputation for his work both in Burgundy and Oregon. Ninety acres of the 225-acre estate are now planted, with over 3100 vines per acre. Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s landmark 4-level gravity flow winery is nestled into the heart of the Dundee Hills.
Robert Drouhin’s vision of an Oregon estate winery that could rival the great vineyards of Burgundy has been realized at DDO. From what began as test plantings of cloned Pinot Noir rootstock, Domaine Drouhin now encompasses 124 acres of hillside vineyards. Interspersed with the Pinot Noir vines are 11 acres of Chardonnay, planted at various elevations and, like in Burgundy, planted right alongside rows of Pinot Noir.
The Drouhin Family’s winemaking roots run deep, having taken hold in Burgundy’s best vineyards more than a century ago. Through the years, there has been a very clear link, a continuum, that inhabits Maison Joseph Drouhin, and now Domaine Drouhin Oregon.