2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Chardonnay Edition Limitée
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Tasting notes
Brilliant yellow. Ripe, mineral-tinged citrus and orchard fruit scents, along with suggestions of sweet butter, chamomile and fennel. Concentrated yet lively on the palate, offering juicy Meyer lemon, pear nectar and honeysuckle flavors given lift and spine by juicy acidity. Unfurls steadily on an impressively long, sappy finish that leaves behind notes of candied citrus peel and vanilla bean.
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Chardonnay Edition Limitée comes from a block planted in 1999 just outside the winery at a high elevation. The five barrels come from the "99 North" parcel, matured for 12 months in two-thirds new oak. That new wood comes through on the nose, but fortunately does not impede upon the fruit, furnished with attractive lemon thyme and orange sorbet notes emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth texture, hints of dried honey, walnut and citrus lemon dovetailing into quite a leesy finish. Allow this a couple of years in bottle to fully absorb the oak. Very fine. Readers should note that this is only available from their cellar door.