Domaine Drouhin 2022 Pinot Noir, 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 130 acres of hillside vineyards. Interspersed with the Pinot Noir vines are 13 acres of Chardonnay, planted at various elevations and, like in Burgundy, planted right alongside rows of Pinot Noir. The densely planted vines are farmed sustainably, L.I.V.E. certified, and tended to by hand when leaves and fruit are thinned; harvesting is also done entirely by hand.

The grapes for this wine was handpicked into 25-pound totes, then hand-sorted and de-stemmed in our four level gravity flow winery. Fermentations are long and careful. The barrels are custom made in Burgundy, using oak from France’s best forests, allowing the character of the soil and vintage to show through.

The 2022 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir focuses the complexity of the vintage into a radiant, red ruby hue. The nose is a tight and delightful gathering of tart cherries, peony, pomegranate, red fruits, and wood spice, leading to similar flavors on the palate. Balanced and clear acidity points towards the wine's customary elegance and longevity. Well-rounded and loveable.

94 Points James Suckling

This is complex and layered, with spiced cherries, aged tangerine peel, crushed spices and nutshells. Some licorice notes. Medium- to full-bodied, structured and polished with a firm backbone of very fine tannins and earthy undertones. Lingering finish.