WTN: '95 & '96 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Lauréne

[geo t.]

While we were enjoying these two wines recently, I looked at Kim and said, “You know, when I taste wines like these, it occurs to me that pinot noir is my favorite varietal.” She agreed with me completely.

1995 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Lauréne, $44.99, 13% alc.: This slightly rusty ruby garnet throws a beautiful smoky black cherry and rose petal perfume with a subtle note of cola; I just want to sit and inhale the aromatics for hours. Flavors echo with soft tannins, good acidity and hints of forest floor in the background. Very smooth on the palate; feminine, almost delicate, and rather Burgundian in character, this shows an elegant balance, and if it could finish just a little longer, that’s a very small complaint. This is ultimately my preferred style of pinot noir, and a very fine example of such.

1996 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir Lauréne, $44.99, 13% alc.: With the same basic ruby garnet color as the ’95, and a little less rust, this sports a richer smoky plum and black cherry bouquet, with a bit of the barnyard that blows off fairly soon after pouring. It’s also a little bigger and richer in the mouth, with little hints of coffee lurking in the background, and yet it’s just as silky smooth, feminine and “Burgundian” as the earlier model. The tannins are unobtrusive, so you can enjoy this now, and over the next few years. Kim likes this one a little better than the last, for its richer intensity, while it’s a toss – up for this taster. Again, not the longest finish here, but that’s small potatoes in the larger scope of what is another fine, fine effort from Domaine Drouhin.

Click here for the full report on the varieties of the pinot noir experience at Gang Central this summer.

Reporting from Day-twah,

geo t.

[petite tête de chou]

Ah, bless your heart geo.T.

A wonderful report on one of my favorite wines. Oregon Pinot Noirs.

When I was a young lady of 10 years ago I had the inauspicious title of "Oregon Wine Specialist" at a (of course) local tourist shop.

Amongst the Pendletons, Tillamooks and various berry confections the fermented fruits of the land and hard earned efforts of the vineyards won my interest and heart.

I was one incredibly fortunate individual to be included in various tours of the vineyards and various facilities that would not, normally, be available to the 'average' tourist.

Eyrie, Adelsheim and Domaine Drouhin stand out as the most gracious of all.

Drouhin, ten years ago, through out the years, has maintained a very fine Pinot Noir. Usually their Laurene is deep, very well balanced between the smoke and plum, with a delicately edged aroma of fresh leather. An adored wine with Oregon lamb and rosemary. Or peppered steak...Tillamook beef, of course.

Again, thank you for bringing this very fine wine and vineyard to e-gullet. Perhaps folks will taste what is, to me and many, one of the finest Pinot Noirs out there.

[geo t.]

Thanks for the kind words, petite tête de chou. It sounds like we're on the same page with regard to these fine, fine wines.

Cheers,

geo