Ken and Grace Evenstad founded Domaine Serene Vineyards and Winery in 1989. They purchased 42 acres of just-logged land in Dundee Hills, Oregon intending to plant, grow and produce ultra-premium Pinot Noir. They released their inaugural wine 1990 Reserve receiving a 90-point score. By 2001 they had completed the construction of their state-of-the art Pinot Noir winery. Ken and Grace own 462 acres of land in Yamhill County in Willamette Valley, Oregon with 150 acres planted to vine. In addition to Pinot Noir, which is about 95% of the wine produced, they also make a little Chardonnay, Rose´and a sparkling wine. Their wines have won many accolades and awards, including over 80 wines scoring 90 points or higher by Wine Spectator.

The Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of those wines that is extremely memorable. It has become one of the benchmark single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from Oregon. This low-elevation vineyard planted in Woodburn sedimentary soils is 16 miles south of the Dundee Hills. The Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir has 17 months of barrel aging and is sourced from the Eola-Amity winegrowing region.

This wine has a deep, bold garnet hue. As is usual with the Jerusalem Hill Pinot Noir, it reflects a more masculine expression, yet with a wealth of complexity and refinement. Ripe, macerated blueberries melted red licorice and dried black raspberries set the tone as they are layered with cloves, minerals, hints of incense and sweet toasted sandalwood. The densely packed fruit is amplified with vibrant acidity and seamless tannins. The flavors are persistent throughout with a long and memorable finish. This is destined for a long life and remains one of my favorite bottlings from Domaine Serene.

By W Peter Hoyne