Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Eola-Amity Hills (Willamette Valley, Oregon) Pinot Noir Roserock Vineyard “Zéphirine” 2014

($60):  Not surprisingly, Domaine Drouhin Oregon is following the Burgundy tradition of terroir: simply put, where the grapes grow influences the taste and character of the wine.  In addition to their “home” vineyard in the Dundee Hills of the Willamette Valley, DDO has acquired an additional vineyard, Roserock, in the Eola-Amity Hills subzone of the Willamette.  The Zéphirine bottling is their reserve Pinot Noir from this new vineyard, analogous to their Laurène bottling from the Dundee Hills.  It’s a slightly bolder wine with more black fruit-like flavors, compared to red fruit emanating from their Dundee Hills Pinot Noir.  At this stage, it’s more structured and muscular, while retaining the Drouhin signature elegance and refinement.  Grilled salmon, please. 92 Michael Apstein Oct 24, 2017