2012 Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir Cuvée Louise

The 2012 Pinot Noir Louise is a barrel selection from the Laurene cuvée that in this particular vintage consists of 19 barrels. There is a subtle, seductive exoticism on the nose with plush raspberry and cranberry fruit inflected with a subtle marine influence that becomes more pronounced with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with caressing tannin and very well-judged acidity. This is very harmonious, a little reticent at first, but fanning out with confidence toward the finish adorned with blackberry, strawberry and allspice notes. Very persistent in the mouth, this is an superb Pinot Noir.

Bright ruby. Heady mineral- and Asian spice-accented red fruit liqueur and cherry-cola aromas show excellent clarity, vivacity and power. Palate-staining raspberry and candied rose flavors are given depth by notes of mocha, cola and black cardamom, with an undercurrent of zesty minerality providing focus. Closes silky, sweet and very long, with resonating floral character and supple tannins. Strikingly complex and balanced to age, but it's also pretty seductive right now.