($35): Maison Drouhin, the superb Burgundy-based négociant, was the first French firm to invest in Oregon when they purchased vineyards in the Dundee AVA of the Willamette Valley 20+ years ago.  Over the subsequent two decades, they’ve produced a very impressive array of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from their Dundee vineyards.  They’ve recently expanded by purchasing vineyard land in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.  So now, in the Burgundy tradition of producing wines that focus on the origin of the grapes, they produce two distinct Pinot Noir, this one and one from Dundee.  In keeping with their Burgundian style, this Roserock Pinot Noir is an elegant combination of fruitiness and herbal flavors.  The lacey Drouhin style comes though in this restrained and nicely structured wine.  Not a concentrated, “big” wine, its charm lies in its “flavor without weight” character.  A big plus — you’d be hard pressed to find a Pinot Noir of this quality at this price, anywhere.
92 Michael Apstein Oct 18, 2016