A recent trip to Lexington, KY, for a board meeting had a delicious surprise. That surprise was Dudley’s on Short. Dudley's is known for its culinary prowess and, I discovered, a really great wine list.
The restaurant is located in the historic Northern Bank Building. Built in 1889 it was one of the most prominent in downtown Lexington and today provides a fascinating and ideal setting for meals.
My delight was heightened when I was informed that the group may not hit the minimum guarantee on the meal. That didn’t necessarily cheer me, but when I was asked to pick out a few bottles to bump up the total, I was happy to oblige.
Two wines from Oregon were among my picks, a sparkler from Argyle and a Pinot from… Willamette Valley.
The terroir of Oregon is similar to Burgundy, where Pinot Noir reigns supreme. So it is no surprise that Pinot Noir from Oregon is a real treasure. Three quarters of Oregon’s vineyards are within the Willamette Valley AVA. Willamette Valley is further subdivided into six sub-appellations: McMinnville, Ribbon Ridge, Amity-Eola Hills, Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills and Chehalem Mountains. Perhaps no area in the world produces better Pinot Noir.
The Yamhill Cuvée uses grapes primarily from the Yamhill-Carlton region where the Domaine Serene winery is located, but it is labelled “Willamette Valley” as it also uses grapes from Amity-Eola Hills and Dundee Hills. Domaine Serene considers this their “entry level” Pinot, but it consistently gets 90+ ratings and outshines many reserve Pinot Noirs.
On the palate this is a medium bodied wine with great balance. It is aged for 14 months in French oak (40% new), but it isn’t ponderous. The aging adds a bit of structure to a wine that offers raspberry and herbal notes. It’s a polished and elegant wine that complements a variety of food, especially lighter entrees. You don’t want a charbroiled T-bone to overpower your Pinot – but pork (a traditional pairing), chicken, lighter beef dishes and salmon are sublime.
Domaine Serene’s Yamhill Cuvée retails for about $44. It’s a superior wine that delivers Willamette Valley goodness for an affordable price tag.