RoseRock by Domaine Drouhin 2022 Chardonnay Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

RoséRock’s 2022 Chardonnay feels like a soft breeze over volcanic rock—a balance of grace and grounded structure. The nose opens quietly with lemon curd and white flowers, threaded by herbal thyme and a hint of sea breeze. Subtle, not perfumed—but enough to draw you in. 

It doesn’t yell richness, but it delivers it anyway. The palate leans light‑medium: orange zest ripples through peach pit tones and a gentle vanilla warmth. Each layer is measured—flavors build incrementally, not all at once. 

What carries it is tension. The wine avoids heaviness through its mineral spine—volcanic soils and Van Duzer-driven cooling that define Roserock give this Chardonnay a sharper undercurrent. Balanced, bright acidity pulls everything into focus. 

Drouhin’s hand shines through in the restraint. The fruit came through a vintage marked by frost and delay, yet shaped itself into ripeness without losing cool‑climate clarity. Part tank, part barrel—and after malolactic, blended with precision. It’s clear who’s guiding this wine. 

This Chardonnay doesn’t demand attention. It earns it—sip by sip, nuance by nuance. It’s not about making a statement; it’s about standing quietly confident. –M