Domaine Drouhin : Laurène Pinot Noir 2017

A complex and structured Pinot Noir by Domaine Drouhin Oregon

The estate

During a trip to the United States in 1961, Robert Drouhin, the third generation of the family, discovered the Oregon vineyards and their wines. A few years later, after obtaining her degree in oenology, Véronique, his daughter, moved to Oregon to work in the vineyards with three pioneering winemaking families in the vast Dundee Hills appellation.

In 1987, Robert Drouhin decided to buy his first parcels in this appellation. For over 30 years, Véronique Drouhin and her brother Philippe have been producing, with passion and respect for the know-how of their native Burgundy, natural wines which are renowned for their quality and refinement.

The vineyard

The 50-hectare Domaine Drouhin is composed of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and is certified locally as a sustainable winegrower (L.I.V.E).

The wine

Named after Véronique Drouhin's daughter, this Laurène Pinot Noir by Domaine Drouhin Oregon is one of the estate's most iconic and critically-acclaimed labels.

The 2017 vintage celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Drouhin family in Oregon as well as the 26th vintage of Cuvée Laurène.

Author and critic Paul Lukacs calls Cuvée Laurene one of the "Great Wines of America", Portland Monthly Magazine refers to it as "perennially one of Oregon's best wines". Lastly, Matt Kramer wrote about Laurène in the Wine Spectator article "21st Century Pinot Noir Greatness".

The vintage

A late bud break was caused by cool, wet spring conditions. The higher temperatures during the summer favoured vegetative development until the end of August, when the unstable weather slowed down the ripening of the grapes, before giving way to optimal temperatures from mid-September onwards. The grapes harvested at full maturity give rise to a balanced, aromatic wine with a good length.

Vinification and ageing

Hand-picked in the pure Burgundian tradition, the grapes are destemmed, fermented with indigenous yeasts and then placed in French oak barrels (maximum 20% new barrels). During the ageing process, Véronique Drouhin patiently selects the finest barrels to be blended, thus magnifying the complexity, length and depth of this Laurène cuvée.

The blend

This Cuvée Laurène 2017 by Domaine Drouhin Oregon is a 100% Pinot Noir.

Laurène 2017: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful ruby red.

Nose

The nose blends fragrances of cherry, pomegranate, blackberry, spices, wild herbs and fresh sage.

Palate

The mouth seduces with its power and structure. Over the years the palate will reveal the authentic expression of the fine Oregon terroirs through a silky feel and a highly elegant expression.

Service

For an optimal tasting experience, serve at 15°C.

Cellaring

Enjoy today, this Laurène 2017 Pinot Noir wine by Domaine Drouhin Oregon can be cellared until 2032 which will enable it to reveal its full aromatic richness.