Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Laurène Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA 2014

Laurène, named after Véronique's daughter, is a barrel selection of the Dundee Hills Pinot Noir and both density and concentration are immediately apparent on the nose. A little air reveals heady iron oxide notes reminiscent of blood, tinged with a hint of tar. The palate is insistent and couples suppleness, fluidity, structure with ripe cherry fruit, maintaining that aromatic lift. Its elegance becomes fully apparent on the long, fresh finish. The 2016 is on order via Berry Bros & Rudd and will be £54.95 a bottle.