"French Soul, Oregon Soil...Domaine Drouhin"
Oregon Pinot Noir's have always had a special place in my heart and much of their notoriety is given to a well known French family. In the mid 70's there were a handful of families making very Burgundy-esque style Pinot Noirs and most was sold locally. Then in 1976 a little known blind tasting occurred in Paris and the French were stunned. Two little wine producers from Napa took First place in both the white Burgundy and red Bordeaux categories. A few years later the French attempted to redeem their prowess by hosting a Wine Olympics. The French prevailed, but one Pinot Noir from Oregon caught their attention. The Lett family and their Eyrie Vineyards from Oregon did quite well. Robert Drouhin, the patriarch of the family firm of Maison Joseph Drouhin, wanted to know what was in Oregon and why did their Pinot Noir taste so similar to his own.
At the time of the tasting Veronique Drouhin, Robert's daughter, was studying enology at the University of Dijon. When she graduated in 1986 she asked her father to send her on an internship to California. He suggested that she go to Oregon, where he thought the best Pinot Noir outside of Burgundy might someday be made. She spent the 1986 harvest with the top three producers...Eyrie, Adelsheim and Bethel Heights.
By the end of her intership, Robert had sent word that he would be interested in purchasing property in the Willamette Valley. David Adelsheim had contacted Robert by the early summer of 1987 and by Christmas time he had purchased 225 acres.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to spend a day at this amazing winery. Veronique makes beautiful Pinot Noir as well as Chardonnay. If a lighter styled Pinot Noir is what you are looking for without the huge price tag...look to my Northern neighbor and enjoy the taste of the Willamette! Cheers!
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