Who makes it?

Domaine Drouhin is the Burgundian family’s Oregon, USA estate. I think that this gives this estate a handy stance in both markets. And this also shows in how this Pinot remains a more elegant version of I think can too often be more dry red styled Pinot noirs. 

The family purchased their Oregon estate more than 30 years ago. Here they have planted both Pinot noir, of course, and also some Chardonnay. The family are careful about the provenance of their vines, they even grow their own rootstock.

How do they make it?

This Pinot is made with Dundee Hills fruit. Interestingly, it is made in a gravity flow winery. I have only seen a couple of these wineries, so this is just an interesting note. 

It spends time in French oak barrels, new and seasoned. From tasting the wine a couple of times, I would expect that this will be between 12 – 18 months. It is certainly a richly spiced pinot noir.

What does it taste like?

A first sniff this wine is distinctively and warmly spiced. There are wafts of vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg there. However these do not dominate the cherry, plum and berry fruits. There is also some dried flowers there to the aromas as well. 

Once the wine starts to unfurl in your mouth, it releases all this spicy warmth for you to enjoy. It is unashamedly rich for a Pinot noir. However, I have found it still retains its elegance compared to some other Willamette Valley Pinots. I would put this down to the family’s choice to make sure this wine reflects the family. And the Oregon terroir.

It is good to go now, but you could certainly keep it for the mid term in the cellar. 

What to drink it with?

This is a plush and mouthfilling wine and will work with duck, of course, sausages, beef or lamb. 

Cheese

Enjoy the Domaine Drouhin Dundee Hills Pinot noir with Manchego, or a matured gouda or Comte. 

Quickie review « This is certainly a rich Pinot noir, however it is still elegant for a Willamette Vally Pinot. »

Country of Origin:  Dundee Hills, Oregon, USA
Tasting Date: October 2024
Price:  UK £37 | € | US$48 ++
Drink: now – 7+ years 
Needs food: no
Source: tasting

If you like Pinot Noir wines, why not check out:
Burn Cottage Moonlight Pinot Noir
Domaine de Montille Les Grèves Beaune Premier Cru

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