JP lead us down into the Cellars of Drouhin where he explained the history of Drouhin's company, their passion for Food (many of the people in company are avid Foodies - much like many of us @ Bishop's) and their love of wine. After a quick walk through the cellar, we arrived at a beautiful tasting room to sample a cross section of Drouhin's wines.
As we worked our way through the selection of whites (Rully, Meursault & Puligny Montrachet to name a few) JP explained to us the varying sub-soil and geological elements that impart their influence on each of the wines; or as the french call it terroir . As we moved on to the reds, Wayne expressed his interest in Drouhin's Oregon venture and how he would love to get his hands on some of the wine to sell in Nova Scotia. JP scratched his head, twisted his moustache and bolted into the cellar. He returned with the last bottle of 2006 Domaine Drouhin Laurene Pinot Noir (their Pinot from Oregon) from the cellar. Strangely enough, JP put this bottle just before Drouhin's flagship wine, Beaune Clos de Mouche, which immediately suggested that this would be a treat.
As we made our way through the reds, I was amazed as to the differences between wines in which their grapes were grown just feet from each other; this terroir thing was really starting to make sense. Then we came to the Oregon Pinot. Jean Pierre explained to us that this was a favourite of many at the company (which explains why their was only 1 bottle left) and how they could not believe the success of their venture in Oregon. True to the hype, this wine didn't disappoint, as it was perhaps one of the favourite wines tasted during the entire morning. As we finished up tasting the bottles before us, we continued to pick JP's brain about terroir, wine and even his passion for car racing (he was going to a race the following day).
Just as we thought our session was over, JP disappeared back to the cellar and returned with a dust covered bottle with no label. He opened the bottle carefully and poured it into a decanter; using a light in the floor as his guide to ensure that no sediment left the bottle. As he poured us each a glass he explained what we about to enjoy; a 1990 Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru Les Beaudes. Considered one of the greatest vintages ever in Burgundy, it was clear as to why it held this distinction; an unbelievable wine that had benefited beautifully from 20 years of cellaring in perfect conditions. This probably goes down as one of the most memorable wines I've ever tasted, however I'm sure their will be several more of these in the coming days.
We finished our morning with a tour through the Cellars (a first for me) listening to JP speak about their barrel selections, the surprises from the 2003 vintage and his love for life. As we walked out of the Cellar and parted ways, JP summed up our experience in one simple phrase "Time has just stood still during our time today." His love for life, people and wine was clear as he continued by thanking us for the moments that we had shared. We parted ways and I was left thinking "Thank me? I was the one who was indebted to him for sharing his love of life and wine, and finally unlocking the puzzle that was Burgundy."
Stay tuned...
Matt
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