Domaine Drouhin : Laurène Pinot Noir 2021

Characteristics and tasting tips for Domaine Drouhin Laurène Pinot Noir 2021

Tasting

Appearance

The color reveals a bright ruby hue with luminous highlights.

Nose

The nose opens with energetic aromas of cooked Rainier cherry and candied orange peel. Subtle notes of sage and wild herbs accompany touches of dried violet and lightly roasted coffee.

Palate

On the palate, this wine reveals flavors of blueberry intertwined with notes of baking spices and anise. The graceful structure relies on velvety tannins, while aromas of fresh raspberry and cranberry mingle with a marked earthy dimension. The finish lingers with elegance, allowing the flavors, delicate acidity, and fine tannins to persist.

Food and wine pairings

This Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with roasted poultry, grilled red meats, and herb-crusted lamb. It also goes well with aged cheeses such as Gruyère or Comté, as well as stewed dishes with wild mushrooms.

Service and storage

The Laurène Pinot Noir 2021 is ideally served at 16°C. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes allows the wine to fully express its aromatic complexity.

An exceptional Pinot Noir from the Dundee Hills in 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 oenology degree, his daughter Véronique moved to Oregon to work the vines with three pioneering winemaking families within the vast Dundee Hills appellation.
In 1987, Robert Drouhin decided to purchase his first plots within this appellation.

For over 30 years, Véronique Drouhin and her brother Philippe have been producing natural wines signed Domaine Drouhin with passion and respect for the know-how of their native Burgundy, recognized for their quality and refinement.

The vineyard

The Laurène Pinot Noir 2021 vineyard is located in the Dundee Hills, a sub-appellation of the Willamette Valley. This area benefits from volcanic terroir and an altitude that captures gentle breezes and generous sunshine. Positioned at 45 degrees north latitude, exactly like Burgundy, the vineyard enjoys a moderate climate thanks to the protection of the Cascade Range to the east and the Coast Range to the west. Viticultural practices respect the principles of sustainable agriculture, with manual harvesting and meticulous management of soils and pruning.

The vintage

The year 2021 in Oregon began with a slightly warmer-than-average winter and drought conditions. In February, an exceptional ice storm, the most significant in forty years, marked the region. Spring remained relatively cool and dry, followed by moderate frosts in April and an early heatwave in early May. In late June, the Willamette Valley recorded the highest temperatures ever measured. Despite these extreme conditions, the vines remained healthy and resilient. Harvest took place between September 8 and October 2, yielding grapes of remarkable balance and complexity.

Winemaking and ageing

The grapes for Laurène Pinot Noir 2021 are harvested manually in small crates to preserve their integrity. After destemming, fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts for seven to twelve days, using traditional Burgundian techniques of punching down and pumping over. The wine then rests in French oak barrels for twelve to fourteen months, with approximately 20% new wood and the rest in used barrels. These barrels are custom-made in Burgundy from oaks of the best French forests. Véronique Boss-Drouhin personally selects the barrels that will make up the final blend. After blending, the wine rests for several months before being transferred by gravity into bottles, where it matures for another six to eighteen months before release.

Grape

100% Pinot Noir