Description

Domaine Drouhin
Oregon
Arthur Chardonnay

 

 

DESCRIPTION: (V’23)

• • Our Chardonnay was hand-picked into small totes, and then whole-cluster pressed.
  • Half of the juice was fermented in French Oak barrels (30% new) to create a round, rich texture.
  • The other half was fermented and aged in stainless steel.
  • Véronique then blended these two portions to create a wine of a more delicate nature.
  • To Véronique, it as if one brought together elements of a pure Chablis and an elegant Meursault.

GRAPE VARIETY:

• • 100% Chardonnay

FOOD PAIRINGS:

• • Pair with shellfish and ripe cheese.

2023 Vintage:

• • In 2023, budbreak was unusually late, starting on April 30.

  • Next came an unexpected heat surge and minimal rainfall, a lasting pattern which compressed the period from budbreak to bloom to less than 45 days (a record)!

  • Our vineyards adapted well to these surprises, and when harvest started on September, the fruit looked great.

  • Towards the end of the month, we saw some significant rains.

  • The overall harvest concluded on October 5.

 

Véronique’s Tasting Notes:

• • Our 2023 Chardonnay Arthur offers freshness, complexity and gorgeous flavors – a combination of our specific place in the Dundee Hills and well-loved vines that were planted 30 years ago.

  • Right up front, the nose opens with clear notes of orange orchard, lemon, green apple, and a hint of baking spice.

  • On the palate, a delightful minerality intertwines with flavors of citrus, baked apple and honeysuckle.

  • Drinking beautifully now, this Chardonnay should be something to behold over the next 7-10 years.

Paul Gregutt’s NW Wine Guide
95 Points

First whiff gives a hint of Key lime, and the acids underscoring this young wine tilt toward lime as well.
It feels as if another six or twelve months in bottle would be advisable, simply to meld all the
layers into a more seamless palate. All the right components are there – juicy tangerine
and other citrus, crisp apples, a gentle wash of barrel toast and a pillowy burst of meringue.

James Suckling
93 Points

Nicely broad and rich in texture, ample and welcoming, with baked apple, cinnamon,
light butter and vanilla flavors. Easy and rather soft, with
gentle acidity and good length in the finish. Drink now.

Wine Spectator
93 Points

 Elegantly structured, rich and refined, with polished apple, lemongrass and
spice flavors that build tension on the sleek finish. Drink now.

 

 

2023 | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot

2022 | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot

2021 | Tech Sheet | POS | Label | Bottle Shot