Oregon, “the beaver state”, has 26 official emblems. These include a crab, a predatory sea snail called the Oregon Hairy Triton, a square dance, milk, a rock called thunderegg and the Oregon-grape. Common sense would say that this last one should be Pinot Noir, seeing as how Willamette Valley is on the same latitude as Burgundy and its wines have beaten French rivals in blind tastings. But it’s not, it’s a shrub used to make jam. Oregonians are clearly bonkers. This wine is so good it should run for Governor of this crazy state.
This is a Pinot Noir from the Pacific North West coast of the USA made by the world famous Burgundian wine family. Created in 1988 by the Drouhin family and spanning 90 acres in Oregon’s Red Hills, Domaine Drouhin has become a worldwide force to be reckoned with. They attempt to be true to the classic Burgundian elegance and grace but introduce New World influences.
Veronique Drouhin graduated with an oenology degree from Dijon University and became the fourth generation of her family to become a winemaker. Following work experience in Oregon Veronique began to make the wines at Domaine Drouhin Oregon and to date has made every wine produced at the winery since its creation. Vines are planted at a very high density at 400—800 feet above sea level. Severe pruning in winter and green harvesting during summer ensures low grape yields are attained. Grapes are hand harvested and returned to the winery in small baskets. Free run juice is moved into French oak barrels of which 20% are new. Following fermentation the wines ages in barrel for 12 months before final blending.
This wine is deep and vibrant with brilliant cherry red colour. The wine is open and opulent on the nose with a mixture of violet and rose petal aromas. The palate is quite lush and mouth filling with balanced cherry notes. Definition and clarity of fruit is followed by long silky smooth tannins on the finish. Ideal with rich meat stews, lamb and pork dishes.
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