At a glance

Producer

Domaine Joseph Drouhin

Region

Burgundy, France

Grape variety

Pinot Noir

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$60-$75 (750ml, retail, 2020 vintage; Wine-Searcher, June 2024)

Tasting profile

Red cherry, raspberry, and red plum dominate with supporting notes of wild strawberry, violet, earth, and light spice. Tannins are present and give structure, with some oak and subtle earthiness.

Evolution: Over time, primary fruit will soften, and flavors of forest floor, dried herbs, leather, and savory spice will emerge. The palate will become silkier with integrated structure.

At peak: At peak, expect harmonized red fruit, elegant minerality, supple tannins, and layered underbrush and savory spice elements.

Structure

Acidity

Medium-plus, providing freshness and backbone for aging

Tannins

Medium to medium-high, firm but beginning to integrate

Alcohol

Moderate (13-13.5%), balanced and well-integrated

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2039

Optimal window

2024 to 2042

Current status

Approachable now, but will improve with additional aging

Current condition

Fresh, youthful, with structured tannins and vibrant fruit

Between 2026-2029, the tannins will soften, fruit and tertiary aromas will be in harmony, and the wine will achieve balance between freshness, structure, and earthy complexity. Past this period, fruit may fade and the wine could lose vibrancy.

Food pairing

Classic pairings include roasted duck breast, grilled lamb chops, coq au vin, mushroom risotto, and earthy vegetable dishes (e.g., lentils with root vegetables). With age, incorporate more umami and earthy flavors like game birds or dishes with truffle.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — Young Pinot Noir from Pommard can be tightly wound in youth. Decanting helps aerate the wine, softening tannins and opening up aromatic complexity.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Low-intervention viticulture, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentation, extensive use of organic/biodynamic principles

Domaine Joseph Drouhin is a leader in organic and biodynamic practices in Burgundy, holding certifications across much of its holdings and focusing on sustainability throughout production.