Last Saturday I was able to spend time at one of the premier producers of Oregon Pinot and Chardonnay, Domaine Serene. The winery, founded in 1989, is located at the top of the Dundee Hills. Domaine Serene made first wine in 1990 and immediately achieved a 90 point rating from Robert Parker. I was impressed with my last visit as I sampled the best Chardonnay I’ve ever had out of Oregon. While Serene has achieved huge ratings from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator on their Pinots (incredibly achieving scores of 95 in the past from both publications), their Chardonnay quality continues to improve. I was particularly impressed with the 2012 Chardonnay that I sampled. For those who enjoy lighter, more mineral and terroir driven Chardonnays, Domaine Serene is for you.
The recent release of 2012 Pinot Noirs carry a high price tag but impress. The richness and depth was there for their 2012 efforts. I was able to try a vertical of their Evenstad Reserve from 2011 and 2012 and the vintage variation was astounding. They even poured a really unique 2001 Syrah from Southern Oregon. If you are in the Portland area, a visit down to Domaine Serene is a must, as these guys are producing some of the best Pinot and Chardonnay in the Willamette Valley. Here are some of the great new releases that I recently tried at Domaine Serene. #domaineserene
Domaine Serene 'R' Rose- This is their nonvintage, Bandol style rose. Nose has strawberry, orange blossom and guava. Palate has nice minerality. Strawberry, guava and strong minerality. Simplistic but fresh and delicious. Drink now. -89
2012 Domaine Serene ‘Clos De Soleil’ Chardonnay- Nose has mushroom, pineapple and oak. Palate has butter, banana, and golden delicious apple. Extremely long and lingering finish. Drink now. -93
2012 Domaine Serene ‘Gold Eagle Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Nose has red cherry, mushroom, raspberry and lavender. Palate has cran-cherry, cherry tomato, raspberry and pomegranate. Delicious juice. Drink now or in one to two years. -93
2012 Domaine Serene ‘Jerusalem Hill’ Pinot Noir- Nose has red cherry, pomegranate and guava. Palate has cran-cherry, orange rind, and raspberry. Long and lingering finish. Hard not to drink now but try to cellar it for 1-2 more years. -93
2011 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Nose has raspberry, red cherry and mushroom. Palate has minerals with raspberry, cran-cherry and crisp red apple. Delicious, albeit a bit lean from the vintage. -91
2012 Domaine Serene ‘Evenstad Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- Mushroom, forest floor and red cherry on the nose. Palate has red cherry, pomegranate, raspberry, and nice depth. Delicious now but can cellar for 5 plus years. -93
Domaine Serene Rock Block- "SoNo" Syrah- This is a blend of 2008 and 2009 Syrah from Walla Walla Valley. The fruit is taken from two vineyard sites. Nose has smoked meats, with blackberry and black olive. Palate has nice minerality. Blackberry, black cherry, and cherry cream. Drinks good now in a forward style. -91
2001 Domaine Serene Rock Block Del Rio Vineyard Syrah- Smoked meats, mushroom, barnyard and black berry on the nose. Palate has blackberry, anise, blueberry and great terroir. This is layered and outstanding juice. Drink now. -93