In 1987, Robert Drouhin was invited to participate in the first International Pinot Noir Celebration, and on that trip, he decided to purchase land in the Dundee Hills region of Oregon. Where there had only been Christmas trees and wheat, the Drouhin’s began planting their first vineyards in Oregon. At the same time, Robert nominated Véronique to be the newly christened Domaine Drouhin Oregon (DDO) winemaker, and her brother Philippe Drouhin took responsibility for viticulture. In 1988, DDO produced its first vintage, from purchased grapes, and in 1989 built the landmark, four-story gravity flow winery.
Situated atop the Dundee Hills, between 400′ to 800′ in elevation, the site was selected for its remarkable similarity in climate, latitude and aspect to the legendary vineyards of Burgundy. From what started as test plantings of cloned Pinot Noir rootstock, Domaine Drouhin now encompasses 124 acres of hillside vineyards. Interspersed with the Pinot Noir vines are 11 acres of Chardonnay, planted at various elevations and, like in Burgundy, planted right alongside rows of Pinot Noir.
The Domaine Drouhin Roserock Chardonnay brings together the estate’s three Chardonnay blocks, which are all handpicked and sorted. The Chardonnay grapes are pressed immediately, and sent in equal parts to both tank and barrel. Once malolactic fermentation is complete, Véronique assembles the two portions into her final cuvée. The Roserock Chardonnay is a confident expression of the excellent vintage. On the nose and the palate, the wine is inviting, engaging, and intriguing – in short, the kind of experience one hopes for in a wine. The aromatics range from classic white flowers to tart lemon meringue. At its core, there is texture and energy, buoyed by bright acidity and well-integrated oak.
Fruit Source: Roserock Vineyard
AVA: Eola-Amity Hills, Williamette Valley, Oregon
Sustainable Certification: LIVE