Notes - The first seeds for what would become Domaine Drouhin Oregon were sown in 1961. Robert Drouhin, head of Burgundy's legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin, was visiting America's west coast promoting the Drouhin Burgundies. The California wine industry was just starting to receive its first recognition back then, but there was little if anything going on in Oregon. Robert's first visit to the the Northwest and its earliest vineyards left him with the impression that it quite possibly would be Oregon, not California, that would ultimately prove to be the best place to grow the great grape of Burgundy - Pinot noir. The fourth generation of Drouhins now works in Beaune and Oregon: Frédéric is General Manager of Masion Joseph Drouhin, Philippe manages the estates in Burgundy and Oregon, Laurent is a regional commercial director, and winemaker Véronique has handcrafted every drop of wine at Domaine Drouhin Oregon since its first vintage in 1988. The Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is aged in French oak. It is a charming and graceful wine. On the nose there are notes of cherry and red berry fruits with touches of spice. The mouth feel is lush and round, and very balanced, as is the elegant, long finish. It is a wine to enjoy now, or any time over the next 6-12 years.