From October 2008. Check out our current wine reviews here.
Domaine Serene 2005 Chardonnay “Cote Sud” – 15.5 / 20
A clean, Burgundy-by-way-of-Oregon Chardonnay, with hints of vanilla, baked apples and pears on the nose. The slightly less impressive mid-palate leans more in the direction of citrus fruit than you’d initially expect, and it all finishes cleanly and with excellent detail. A very solid wine from this top-notch producer.
Domaine Serene 2005 Chardonnay “Clos du Soleil” – 14 / 20
This is much more in the American mold: Very oaky, the fruit tending toward the tropical, and mouth-filling in texture. Vanilla-rich oak dominates here, and the wine itself doesn’t necessarily have the stuffing to stand up to it. Not bad, but certainly not up to the standards of Domaine Serene.
Domaine Serene 2005 Pinot Noir “Yamhill Cuvee” – 14 / 20
Though perhaps beginning to close up, this well-crafted wine should continue to evolve for another 5 – 7 years. Rich cherry and heady brown spice notes leap from the glass, leading the way to slightly less thrilling flavors of cherry and a hint of lavender on the tongue. Less exciting than the flagship Evenstad Reserve, but still a solid, enjoyable Oregon pinot.
Domaine Serene 2005 Pinot Noir “Evenstad Reserve” – 17 / 20
This wine has always been a great example of what Oregon pinot is capable of, and the 2005 is no different. This is a wine that’s built for the cellar, with enough tannin and structure to ensure a long life ahead. Right now, it’s a uniquely complex wine, with an intriguing juxtaposition of roses and mushrooms on the nose, and a berry-rich mid-palate edged with something almost herbal and fresh. It all comes together on the long, chewy finish. Delicious now, and should only get better.