Vintage Character Domaine Drouhin 'Louise' Pinot Noir 2022 is a Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, Oregon. An April arctic air mass brought snow and the first frost to affect the family's Dundee Hills vineyards. Cool, damp conditions then delayed vine growth by two to four weeks into June. Sunshine and warmer weather near harvest allowed the remaining fruit to ripen, even though the estate reported lower Pinot Noir volume. The 2022 season moved from a damaged, slow spring to a benign autumn. Cuvée Louise comes from only a few favourite barrels, making selection especially important after 2022's frost, slow spring and warm ripening finish. The final choice sought layered flavour with preserved freshness.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing Véronique's 2022 tasting note identifies crushed cherry, toasted pecan, dried orange peel, earth and Dundee Hills spice. The palate is dry, layered and finely textured, with acidity carrying a long savoury-fruit finish. Roast guinea fowl, duck with porcini and aged Comté offer texture without hiding the wine's detail. Sound storage will let it age well.
Winery Background Louise is named for Véronique Boss-Drouhin's younger daughter and represents the estate's most selective Pinot Noir blending. For 2022, the fruit was hand-picked, hand-sorted and destemmed, with roughly fifteen months in barrel and only 20% new French oak. These choices seek elegance rather than aggressive extraction or a conspicuous new-wood flavour. The Drouhin family's Dundee Hills estate dates to 1987 and works by gravity where practical.