DOMAINE DROUHIN Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills ‘Laurène’ 2018

The flagship wine coming out of the Domaine Drouhin estate, this Pinot Noir is firing on all cylinders right now. As much as I adore the somewhat cooler vintage of 2017 and how those wines are showing, the 2018 is a completely different Laurène than the 2017, but nonetheless just as good. Medium ruby with a garnet rim, the wine is beautiful to admire and the nose of red currant, black raspberry, pencil shavings, blackened brisket, candied violet, melted milk chocolate and loamy earth, is out of this world. Gorgeous acidity and silky tannins perfect the palate, while the flavors of huckleberry come forth along with those wonderful savory characteristics. Enjoy this wine for the next 10-15 years. It’s ready to drink now with a few hours in the decanter. I’m giving this wine the same score I gave the 2017, but for completely different reasons. I can’t wait to try both vintages side-by-side in a decade and see how they have evolved with time. Highly recommended.

Rating	Value	Drink
95	$75	2021-2036

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Country	Region	Appellation
United States	Oregon	Willamette Valley, Dundee Hills

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Editor	Issue	Importer
J. Young	November, 2021