Domaine Drouhin Oregon was established in 1987 in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. It was a pioneering benchmark by 140-year-old Maison Joseph Drouhin in Beaune. It’s a family affair with fourth-generation Veronique Drouhin as winemaker and her brother Philippe overseeing the vineyards in Burgundy and Oregon. Their first vintage was 1988 from purchased grapes and was a widely acclaimed eye opener to French “savoir-faire”. 1992 was the first vintage with all estate Pinot Noir and 1996 was the first estate Chardonnay. Today 130 acres are under vine with a new acquisition, Roserock Vineyards in Eola-Amity Hills.

Named for Veronique’s eldest daughter, Laurene is their flagship wine first produced in her birth year of 1992. The wine is crafted using a selection of barrels with extra complexity, length, and depth. It was also the birth of the winery’s first Pinot Noir vintage with their own estate fruit.

The 2022 Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir has a purple-garnet edge that conveys the artistic expression inside. As the warm fruit aromas unfold, the wine paints a picture of refinement and elegance. On the palate, the wine is both ethereal and layered. The texture of wild strawberries gives the wine a bright, juicy edge, while undertones of pomegranate liqueur, cassis and dried red plums introduce more complexity adding to the wine’s allure. The fruit is framed by fine, silky tannins, and beneath it all, there’s a subtle earthiness along with a suggestion of dried herbs and baking spices that provide dimension, without overwhelming the delicate fruit. A gentle touch of acidity keeps the wine fresh and racy, allowing the fruit to shine while retaining its elegance. As the flavors expand, a touch of minerality adds a sense of place, grounding the wine in its Oregon roots while still nodding to its Burgundian heritage. The finish is long and graceful.

By W Peter Hoyne