The first seeds for Domaine Drouhin Oregon (DDO) were sown in 1961 when Robert Drouhin of Burgundy's legendary Maison Joseph Drouhin was visiting America's Northwest and its earliest vineyards. The trip left him with the impression that Oregon would ultimately prove to be the best place in the New World to grow great Burgundian varieties.

In subsequent visits over the next two decades, Robert began a friendship with David Adelsheim. Drouhin mentioned an interest in a potential vineyard experiment in Oregon and, what started as a passing thought, became reality when Adelsheim discovered a suitable 225-acre property for sale in the Dundee Hills. Robert and his winemaker daughter Véronique purchased the land in 1987.

The following year, DDO was truly born with the first wines made by Véronique in rented space at Chehalem Winery. The DDO winery was built in time for the 1989 harvest, coinciding with the first estate planting of Dijon clones. From those early days, quality in wine growing and production has been paramount. Fruit is hand-picked into small, perforated plastic bins, and special over-the-row tractors imported from France cultivate the high-density vineyards. Each wine barrel is custom made with wood aged for 3 years, from individually selected trees in France’s best oak forests.

Véronique Drouhin-Boss: Intending to expand her experience after graduating from the University of Dijon in 1986, Drouhin-Boss interned at Oregon’s Adelsheim Vineyard, Bethel Heights, and Eyrie. She now divides her time between the Drouhin wineries in France and Oregon, representing the fourth generation of winemakers from this venerable family. She has crafted each wine produced at DDO and seeks to capture the essence of what nature has provided in the unique estate vineyards each year, rather than trying to dictate a particular style. Her wines are recognized for their elegance, finesse, purity, and the capacity to age gracefully.

2007 Chardonnay Arthur
Suggested Retail Price: $30

Our Chardonnay Arthur is produced from 100% Dijon clones, grown on the Drouhin Family Estate in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. First planted in 1992, these are among the oldest such vines in the new world and their low yields and early ripening ability have been a perfect match for our climate & soils.

Our Chardonnay first debuted with the 1996 vintage. With the 2002 release, it was renamed in honor of Véronique Drouhin-Boss’ son Arthur. Arthur is a wine that captures the bright, crisp acidity and mineral character of the vineyard, balanced with richness and lovely length on the palate.

Winemaking:
Ripe, healthy fruit was hand-picked into small totes, and then whole-cluster pressed. Half of the juice was fermented in French Oak barrels (10% new) to create a round, rich texture. The other half was fermented and aged in stainless steel to maintain the purest and most elegant expression of Chardonnay. After eight months, these two styles were blended to create a cuvée of a more delicate nature - to Véronique, it is as if one brought together elements of a pure Chablis and a gentle Meursault.

Véronique’s Tasting Notes:
I am very proud of our Chardonnay vines, which surprise and delight me each vintage. The 2007 Arthur has all of the delicate, floral aromatics we see from our estate – the carnation and magnolia scents, with touches of lemon peel and other citrus fruits – but there is an extra texture and dimension to the 2007 that takes the wine to a new level. Crisp on the palate, with a long finish, this wine is lovely now, and will develop nicely for at least the next 3-5 years. - Véronique Drouhin-Boss ~ August 2008

3,100 cases produced.