Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve bottle shot
95
Red SelectionOctober 2023

Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve

Tasted October 2023 · Wineros Tasting Panel · Methodology

Pinot Noir$85

"Hailing from Oregon's prestigious Willamette Valley, the Evenstad Reserve is the benchmark for American Pinot Noir. It leads with elegant aromas of forest floor and dried rose petals, opening up to a core of juicy raspberry and exotic spices. The mouthfeel is ethereal yet persistent, showcasing the delicate balance of cool-climate viticulture."

Terroir

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Drinking Window

2023 - 2030

Serving Temp

55-60°F (13-16°C)

Aging Potential

Developing

Food Pairings

Roasted duck breastWild mushroom risottoSalmon with herbs
Shop this Vintage — $85

Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn a commission from your purchase.

Share this pick

THE FULL TASTING NOTE

Nose

Forest floor and dried rose petals first, then raspberry coulis, black tea, and a whisper of vanilla from judicious French oak.

Palate

Silky and mid-weight, with juicy raspberry and red plum layered over exotic spice; the acidity is bright without being sharp, in classic cool-climate Willamette form.

Finish

Ethereal but persistent — the fruit fades slowly into tea leaf and baking spice, lingering well past the minute mark.

What we love

  • The benchmark American Pinot Noir — Burgundian restraint with Oregon fruit purity
  • Impeccable balance: neither the thin austerity nor the syrupy excess that plague the category
  • Ages gracefully for 7+ years while drinking beautifully now

What to know

  • At $85 it faces serious competition from village Burgundy and needs 30 minutes of air to justify itself
  • Drinkers who prefer bold, dark-fruited California Pinot may find it too delicate

How it compares

Domaine Serene Evenstad Reservethis page95 pts$85Willamette Valley, Oregon
Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir93 pts$55Sonoma Coast, California

Next to the Flowers Sonoma Coast — our other finesse-driven Pinot — the Evenstad trades coastal salinity for forest-floor depth and an extra layer of spice; it is the more complete wine, at a $30 premium. Read that review →

Convinced?
Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve
Buy — $85

Complete the Experience

Recommended gear for this bottle

Understand This Bottle

The background reading behind this review

Featured In

This bottle appears in our buying guides

More from the Cellar

Get next week's bottle in your inbox.

Join fellow wine enthusiasts getting the weekly pick in their inbox.

No spam. Only high-grade juice. Unsubscribe anytime.

Have a question? Get in touch

Domaine Serene Evenstad Reserve

95 pts • Pinot Noir

Buy — $85