Domain Drouhin’s 2011 Chardonnay Edition Limitee – representing this year five barriques, of which two were new and all finished malo – displays lanolin, vanilla and resin from barrel, but retains juicy, snappy apple and fresh lime with a zesty, chewy edge to it, even as the compensatory textural influence of lees is felt. This may – hopefully – just need more time to harmonize and gain sufficient complexity to merit its ostensible superiority to the “Arthur” bottling. 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