PETITES SECONDES, PINOT NOIR

WILLAMETTE, OREGON 2016

As the demand for Oregon Pinot Noir continues to increase, it is only a matter of time before prices go up as well. That being said, there is still a treasure trove of value-driven Pinot to be had, with hidden gems available to be snatched up – if you know where to look. The simplest place to start your search is seeking out the estates that have a rich tradition in the Willamette Valley, and with dozens of world class wineries to choose from, the potential for great finds seems limitless. Recently we discovered the 2016 Petites Secondes Pinot Noir and it simply blew us away: velvety in the mouth, balanced with supple tannins and gorgeous fruit. Grown and produced by the Drouhin family of Domaine Drouhin, the wine overdelivers for its price point, and considering its pedigree, is an outstanding under-the-radar addition to anyone’s cellar. 

The Drouhin family’s winemaking roots run deep, beginning more than a century ago in the vineyards of Burgundy. After Maison Joseph Drouhin was established in 1880, it would be Robert Drouhin, the third generation of family owners, who would “discover” the potential of Oregon. Recognizing that the soils and climate could unlock the complexities of Pinot Noir, in 1987 he decided to purchase land in the Dundee Hills of Willamette Valley, producing their first vintage one year later and helping put Oregon Pinot Noir on the map. Bringing a fresh perspective to Oregon, the family became intimately involved with the winemaking community and would build the state’s first gravity flow winery.    

Protected by the Cascade Mountains, the estate benefits from long summer days that slowly ripens grapes to give it the complex panache of Burgundy as well as the lively fruit similar to those made in the Sonoma Coast of California. Due to the maritime climate of both the Willamette Valley and Burgundy, you frequently hear the wines from these regions compared, and when Robert Drouhin selected his vineyard sites atop Dundee Hills, there was indeed a noticeable similarity in climate, latitude and aspect to the legendary vineyards of Burgundy.

A new project for the family, there’s no doubt that the 2016 Petites Secondes is a worthy addition to their lineup that will surely turn heads when it gets into the hands of major publications. With aromas of deep, dark blackberries and plums that jump out of the glass, this Pinot shows off the full expression of the grapes, with flavors of rich, dark berry fruits complemented by subtle notes of oak. Fragrant and delicate, the wine is quite impressive, especially for under $30 a bottle. And with today’s offer of up to 25% off by the case, bringing the price down to $22.47 a bottle, this is a value that could be nearly impossible to beat. You’ll definitely want to stock up on this one.