Domaine Drouhin Tasting in Pasadena

By Joel M. Fisher

Pasadena, CA, 03/01/06 --- A visit to Los Angeles by one of wine's royal families is always cause for excitement. Only a few years ago Veronique Drouhin invited me to Domaine Drouhin in Oregon and late in 2004 I visited the Drouhin cellars in Beaune, Burgundy and their winery in Chablis. Now, Southern California was paid a return visit by Veronique Drouhin, accompanied by her brother Laurent, the family's new ambassador to the U.S., and both uncorked their wineriesâ€â„¢ new releases.

This trip they brought 28 white and red samples and we met during a quick tasting in Pasadena, where I had worked my way through their new selections, tasting nearly half.

Joel M. Fisher (left) with Veronique Drouhin
and Laurent Drouhin

I've always liked their Chassagne Montrachet Marquis de Laguiche. Savor the nose, with strong traces of pear, vanilla and apple coming through. This is a well-balanced, complex wine with good fruit on the long finish. (If the maximum discount determines a bottle price of $43.50, then retail could be $20 higher).

I revisited two Chablis and a Chardonnay/Chablis, Domaine de Vaudon, the taste of which hasn't varied from last year. It's still an elegant, balanced Chablis of an attractive green tint with floral aromas and some spice. ($20+)

Vero Chardonnay (2002), is a bright gold/yellow, with fruit aromas and a velvet-y sensation on the mouth. Look for a backing of minerality, along with almonds, nuts and flowers (described as lotus). Overall, this is a light, harmonious and elegant sample. (Around $20)

The 2004 red choices lead off with the Savigny les Beaune. An elegant wine, like its relatives, there is a strong berry note as well as spices, so typical in this part of the region. On the palate this has finesse and smoothness and will age well. (Around $25)

The Chambolle-Musigny, from the pinot noir grape, has aged in the barrel for 18 months. This has suburb color with complex aromas of cherries, blackberry, violets and tannins on the palate. Note the complex finish: with age, the nose picks up mushroom and other earthy qualities. ($44+)

The Charmes-Chambertin grand cru has an impressive ruby color, and a nose dominated by cherry and berry flavors. With some aeration, a spicy aroma emerges. We experienced candied cherry, bark, and spices. Put this on your list as one for special life events.