Domaine Drouhin "Laurene" Dundee Hills Pinot Noir 2021

“The nose on this 2021 ‘Laurene’ is utterly fabulous. Black truffle, anise, dark currants and shades of cigar box fill the nose alongside freshly tilled soils. The palate is just so wonderfully balanced, showing great weight and poise, as this effortlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. A massive core of red and dark fruits combine with garrigue and shades of Nori. This will easily be a 20 year wine.” - 97 PTS, OWEN BARGREEN (10/2023)

“The Laurène gently caresses the palate like the rider's steadying hand on a skittish horse. Aromas of lavender, dark raspberry, hay and the salinity of an ocean breeze swirl gently from the glass. Blackberry compote and blackcap raspberry flavors are joined by wisps of Earl Grey tea and thyme. Balanced beauty.” - 96 PTS, WINE ENTHUSIAST (10/2023)

WINERY NOTES:

TASTING: "In the flush of its youth, Laurène sparkles like a bright ruby. Cherry, mulberry, blackcurrant, and spices all harmonize into a beautifully aromatic bouquet. An overall graceful character is balanced by a firm structure and velvety tannins. Laurène is a shining example of everything we’ve come to know and cherish from our vineyards in the Dundee Hills."

VINEYARD: “Grown on the estate's plots in the Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley; certified “Low Input Viticulture Environment” for sustainable viticulture.”

WINEMAKING: "Named after Véronique Boss-Drouhin’s elder daughter, Laurène is our flagship wine and is produced entirely from Pinot Noir grown on the family’s estate in the Dundee Hills. The fruit is handpicked into small totes, destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts, and then placed into French Oak barrels. Once the vintage is safely in the cellar, Véronique begins the process of
selecting barrels which have an extra complexity, length, and depth, barrels which will work together as Laurène."