The nose of Drouhin’s 2011 Pinot Noir – which they refer to as “classique” and whose label has undergone a welcome, indeed classy face-lifting – displays a surprising measure of smoke and resin as well as chewy tannin in its finish. There is certainly a lot of ripe dark berry fruit here, and hopefully with time it will express its juicy side more fully and some additional nuance will emerge. I’d want to revisit next year before offering a prognostication concerning bottle evolution. Aaron Bell reports that “yields were similar” in 2011 to 2010, “our approach was similar; we picked a few days later; the skins were thicker; and I think you’ll find more darkness style as well as of berry fruit, and a bit more spice.” Re-tasting the 2010s here I found my impressions entirely consistent with those I recorded in Issue 202. With new parcels coming on-line here, all of the Domaine Drouhin bottlings – i.e., even their intro-level Pinot Noir – will after next year be from estate fruit. (For considerable detail about the Drouhin vineyards; the approaches taken here; and the nature of the estate’s different cuvees, consult my Issue 202 introduction.) Tel. (503) 864-2700