The 2019 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Zephirine Pinot Noir is a well-regarded offering from the Willamette Valley in Oregon. This wine, produced by Domaine Drouhin Oregon, features a medium-bodied profile with an alcohol content of 13.9%. As a red wine sealed with a cork, it showcases the classic characteristics of the Pinot Noir varietal.
James Suckling praises the wine with a high score of 97 points, describing it as having "redcurrant, sour cherry and smoke on the nose" along with notes of hibiscus. He highlights its "fine tannins and lively acidity," and calls it "vibrant and juicy on the palate" with a "bright core of redcurrants and dried herbs." Suckling concludes that the wine is "layered and balanced, with a long, savory finish," and although it is drinkable now, he suggests it will be at its best from 2023 (jamessuckling.com).
Similarly, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also awards the wine 97 points, noting its expressive nature in the 2019 vintage. The wine spent 14 months maturing in 20% new oak, resulting in a "pure fragrance of blueberries and lilac, aniseed and earth." The review emphasizes the wine's complexity, stating that it "gains aromatic nuance and depth with time in the glass" and finishes with an "incredibly persistent, floral finish" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate).
Wine Spectator gives the wine a score of 94, describing it as a "dynamic wine, impeccably structured and fleshy in texture." The reviewer notes flavors of "raspberry, tart blueberry, stony minerals plus clove and other dusky spices," finishing with "snappy acidity and well-framed tannins." The publication recommends drinking this wine now through 2030 (Wine Spectator).
Wine & Spirits offers a slightly lower score of 92, characterizing the wine as a "brambly red with scents of wild strawberry and wind-blown dust." The review mentions that it becomes "more concentrated, focused and elegant" with time, suggesting it pairs well with gamey dishes like squab (Wine & Spirits).
Lastly, Jeb Dunnuck rates the wine at 93 points, noting its transition into "blackberry fruit, with violets and baking spice." The structured palate features "black cherry," with floral notes and hints of "iron richness and orange peel" extending through the long finish. Dunnuck advises enjoying this wine between 2024 and 2034 (jebdunnuck.com).
Overall, the 2019 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Roserock Zephirine Pinot Noir is highly acclaimed, with reviewers highlighting its balanced structure, vibrant acidity, and complex flavor profile.