Domaine Drouhin Oregon Louise Pinot Noir 2021

Tasting Notes

96, James Suckling Tasting Notes The 2021 Cuvée Louise comes from three distinct parcels on our estate, each at a different elevation. Together, these elements made a beautiful and engaging whole, from the fragrant, complex nose of violet and hints of cedar, to the very fine-grained tannins and gorgeous texture that follows. The length is impressive and delightful. This speaks volumes to me about the importance of listening closely to what each block and barrel is saying and allowing myself to move in response. Production Notes All of our Dundee Hills Estate Pinot Noir is handpicked, hand-sorted and de-stemmed, and then allowed to ferment at its own pace. Typically in barrel for 15 months, Louise maintains its sense of place and vintage character through a gentle élevage, and the use of only 20% new French oak. Our goal is to produce Pinot Noir with balance, elegance and finesse, and Louise best exemplifies these qualities. Vintage Notes While winter temperatures were slightly warmer than average, and drought conditions continued across the west, February was defined by an ice-storm unlike anything seen in the Willamette Valley for 40 years. The growing season started out relatively cool but continued dry. The Willamette Valley saw mild to moderate early to mid-April frosts, followed by an early season heat event at the start of May. At the end of June, we experienced the warmest days ever recorded in the Valley, and yet the vines remained healthy and resilient. At the end of this dramatic growing season, the vines delivered grapes with complex flavors, incredible balance, and layers of elegance. As winemakers and grape growers, we couldn’t have asked for a better gift from the vineyard.