Interview: Laurène Boss
Dec 20, 2018
Laurène holds a Masters Degree in Business from Lyon Business School (UCLy). Since graduation, she has completed programs with Parfums Cartier, Torres China and Champagne houses Ruinart and Krug. In 2017, she completed her first harvest at Domaine Drouhin Oregon, her family’s winery in the Dundee Hills of Oregon. Says Boss, “This was something special, to work alongside the team, my mother and my grandfather. So many amazing lessons.”
Currently, Laurène is back in Oregon, working on promotion and marketing with the DDO team. For many longtime DDO fans, it is a pleasure to meet the namesake of the winery’s iconic cuvée when they visit. “Like me, Cuvèe Laurène was born in 1992,” says Laurène. For her 24th birthday, she asked if she could try the first vintage of the wine. “I was really drawn to this bottle. It was very powerful to share it with my parents.
“There is so much to learn. When I taste with my family, we talk about wine in detail and with enthusiasm. You can feel the spirit of Drouhin. This is what is important.”
Name: Laurène Boss
Title: Viticulture and Winemaking Student
Hometown: Beaune, France
Number of years working in the wine industry: I was a trainee at Domaine Drouhin Oregon in 2017 for the 25th harvest of Cuvée Laurène and now am continuing training at Maison Joseph Drouhin in Burgundy
What’s a fond memory you have growing up on the estate?
I remember being really happy during harvest when after school we were going to the winery to taste the grapes and the juice.
What is it like to be part of the 5th generation of Drouhins?
I am really proud to be part of the Drouhin Family. It is an amazing heritage, great values while always looking into the future. And of course it is all about sharing the same passion.
Did you inherit your mother’s fondness for the science of winemaking?
I just finished my business studies and since a year I am following her footsteps in learning about winemaking.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the wine industry?
Learning everyday and of course sharing the passion.
What is your favorite wine in the DDO/Roserock portfolio?
Cuvée Laurène…of course.
Domaine Drouhin Oregon/Roserock Wines
“Pale to medium ruby purple with a nose of warm red cherries, dried cranberries and crushed blueberries with accents of Earl Grey tea, dried leaves and earth. Light to medium-bodied, it has good concentration of red and blue fruits in the mouth with forest/earthy touches and cinnamon suggestions.” 91pts Wine Advocate; 91pts Wine Enthusiast, Editor’s Choice
“Open nose of red apple skin and yellow pear with nuances of tangy Greek yogurt, toast and lemon pith. Light to medium-bodied, it has good concentration of tree fruits in the mouth with touches of honey and white blossoms with great juicy acidity, finishing long with a touch of texture.” 91pts Wine Advocate; 90pts Wine Enthusiast
“Potent, mineral accented red and dark berry aromas are complemented by suggestions of cola, five spice powder and candied flowers. Silky and alluringly sweet, offering concentrated black raspberry, cherry and rose pastille flavors accompanied by an energizing mineral quality. Shows superb balance…vibrant finish.” 94pts Vinous; 93pts Wine Advocate; 91pts Wine Spectator
“Domaine Drouhin Oregon’s new Eola-Amity wine continues to impress. Supple, seductive and rippled with kiwi, apple, citrus and melon flavors, it’s nicely ripe and well-melded. The barrel influence is modest, which perfectly suits fruit this good.” 92pts Wine Enthusiast, Editor’s Choice; 91pts Wine Advocate
“Another amazing pinot noir that shows such purity of the fruit. Blueberries, raspberries, lemons, oranges and hints of caramel. Medium to full body, an incredibly polished texture and a beautiful, exciting finish.” 94pts James Suckling; 92+pts Wine Advocate; 91pts Vinous; 90pts Wine Spectator; 90pts Wine Enthusiast
