Scoring 18+ points on the 20-point Dionysian scale, this 13% alcohol 1990 Domaine Drouhin Pinot Noir from Oregon, cost about $20 back then.  This 28 year-old Pinot Noir tasted like an exceptional Volnay. No one wants 14% alcohol Pinot Noir.

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This bottle proved that Oregon can match Burgundy in quality. It also showed that Oregon’s top wines can age and develop complexity.

Black cherry, black raspberry and spicy tobacco from the French oak make this Pinot Noir delightful. It’s at or near peak. The color was school-house brink red with an orange edge. It was balanced, medium weight and had a long, soft aftertaste. It was decanted a half an hour before drinking and continued to open for another hour and a half.

I’ll drink the others that I still have during my BYOB restaurant season; spring, summer and autumn.  In Vino Veritas.