Domaine Drouhin Oregon

OK, I am breaking a self-imposed cardinal rule, but I must confess that Domaine Drouhin Oregon is one of my favorite wineries in the state. At the risk of not being welcomed at other wineries, let me explain why.

To begin with, note the name. It’s not simply “Domaine Drouhin,” it’s “Domaine Drouhin Oregon.” There is a subtle yet profound reason for this. Back in 1987, Robert Drouhin of Burgundy’s Maison Joseph Drouhin purchased acreage in the Dundee Hills following a suggestion from David Adelsheim. Robert was well traveled and very familiar with Oregon and its potential for making great pinot noir. After all, back in 1980, his own winery, Beune-based Maison Joseph Drouhin, sponsored a blind tasting, and although its wine took first place, it was the second-place finisher from Oregon’s Eyrie Vineyards that shook the established wine world. Robert Drouhin embraced Oregon and realized its potential.

At the time of the Oregon land acquisition (goodbye, Christmas trees — hello, pinot noir) Robert’s daughter Véronique had just graduated from the enology program at the University of Dijon and sought to expand her winemaking résumé in the new world. Domaine Drouhin Oregon was born, but to no one’s surprise, the early years were consumed with planting Burgundy vine clones on phylloxera-resistant root stalk, building the first gravity-fed winery in Oregon, and making early versions of pinot noir and chardonnay. It wasn’t until 1992 that Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Laurène was released to critical acclaim. Named for Véronique’s baby daughter, Laurène established Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s reputation and ever since, the winery has received boatloads of accolades from such publications as Wine Spectator and Wine Advocate.

Now, here’s a bit of a news flash: Rarely do I purchase a glass of wine at a winery, kick back, and relax. My time is usually very limited, and I typically have an agenda of six to eight wineries to visit in a day. Besides that, I need to keep my wits in order to scribble insightful thoughts (ahem) and operate my Nikon D200. However, on the July day that my partner, Kathleen, and I visited Domaine Drouhin Oregon, we broke the rules, purchased two glasses of the Pinot Noir Willamette Valley, and retreated to the outside patio. There, with spectacular views of the 90-acre vineyard and the rolling hills in the distance, we enjoyed the fruits of Véronique’s labor. The silky taste of the pinot combined with the great views created a moment in time that we’ll never forget.