Willamette Valley’s Domaine Drouhin Oregon: Linking Old World Tradition to New World Terroir
The Drouhins believe in the family approach to wine in both Burgundy and Oregon. This speaks to how they live, the wines they make, and their respect for the land. They are farming sustainably and they are LIVE certified. Their team includes fourth-generation head winemaker Veronique Boss-Drouhin, Asst. Winemaker Arron Bell, Philippe Drouhin who is responsible for managing Drouhin vineyards in Burgundy, Chablis, and Oregon, and David Millman, President and CEO of Domaine Drouhin Oregon.
Their Oregon wines link the family’s tradition of fine winemaking in France to the terroir in the Willamette Valley. The Oregon site was selected for its similarity to the climate, latitude, and aspect of their renowned vineyards in Burgundy. Maison Joseph Drouhin, located in Beaune France, is one of the largest estates in the region. In addition to their 235-acre Domaine Drouhin Oregon estate (established in 1987) in the Dundee Hills AVA, they own Roserock Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, also contained within Oregon's larger Willamette Valley AVA.
All Domaine Drouhin Oregon wines are made from estate fruit and are crafted by hand at their four-level gravity flow winery in the Dundee Hills AVA. Here are two incredible examples of their well-crafted wines:
Dundee Hills 2019 Cuvée Laurène Pinot Noir: The enchanting aroma of rose petals and earthy tones is heavenly. Layers of Lapin cherries, underbrush, spiced plum, star anise, subtle oak nuances, and cherry cola gloriously fill every nook and cranny in the mouth. Pure, polished, and divinely balanced with good tension and supple tannins. And the finish will have you reaching for more. SRP: $75
Dundee Hills 2021 Arthur Chardonnay: A perfumed aroma of fresh-turned earth and citrus blossom kicks off this complex, multilayered Chard. Flavors of an airy mushroom soufflé, lemon curd, minerality, almond paste, and creamy baked pears glide seamlessly across the palate. It displays wonderful depth of flavor and balancing acidity, and the finish lingers on and on. SRP: $42 www.domainedrouhin.com
Visit their website to schedule a tasting at their stunning 235-acre estate in the Dundee Hills AVA, overlooking the beauty of the Willamette Valley. The estate is open seven days a week from 10 am to 3 pm.
