2021 Drouhin Oregon Roserock Chardonnay

Hand-picked. Half fermented in stainless steel, the other half in barrels. Subtle and pure apple notes. Lean and focused style with chalky texture. Oak is seamlessly integrated and the wine finishes long and rich. Really beautiful. (FG)

Bright and inviting, the 2021 Chardonnay Drouhin Oregon Roserock has high-toned aromatics including loads of lime zest, honeyed apple, and a lifted note of gunflint that is well-managed. Medium-bodied and energetic, with balanced ripeness as well as loads of fresh citrus and a long finish, it has more reductive and bright-toned energy that lasts for ages through the finish. Drink 2023-2030. This was my second visit to the estate of Domaine Drouhin, where I met with David Millman and assistant winemaker Arron Bell. This benchmark estate was founded in 1987 in the Dundee Hills by the Burgundian estate Maison Joseph Drouhin, and fourth-generation winemaker Veronique Drouhin-Boss oversees the estate today. Given Domaine Drouhin’s commanding presence in the region, it’s always fantastic to see when the wines reach and even exceed expectations across the portfolio, as they have certainly done in the 2021 vintage.

Saline, flinty, savoury, green-apple and cereal character – every bit the classic Chardonnay, with flesh and juicy acid both defining the structure. Drink this now to get the most of its youthful charm. (RH)