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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.
Named for winemaker Véronique’s son, Chardonnay Arthur (pronounced Ar-TOUR) is produced entirely from estate fruit. Lots were fermented separately in both stainless steel and barrel before blending to a wine with refreshing purity of fruit, crisp minerality and vibrant acidity. The 2004 Chardonnay Arthur has been exciting since the grapes were harvested. Now it presents a unique and extremely delicate bouquet of fresh almonds, peaches and white flowers which mingle in the glass and are well represented on the palate. The texture is ample, round and well defined. Because of its characteristic finesse and elegance, this Arthur matches well with many kinds of food, including shellfish, oysters, white meat, white truffles and soft cheeses. The wine is already delicious, but could quite comfortably age for three or four years. Vineyard Source: Dundee Hills Estate Bottling date: June 2005 Alcohol: 14.1% Cases produced: 2210 |
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.
2004 Chardonnay Arthur - Suggested Retail Price: $27