"....fasten your seatbelt."
Van Duzer Vineyards Releases 2002 Estate Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, OR, July 1, 2004...Oregon's Willamette Valley, known for producing world class Pinot Noirs, has hit its stride with the 2002 vintages. "The first wave of Pinot Noirs from Oregon is terrifically ripe and extraordinarily well-balanced, making it clear that this is the state's best vintage yet, the pinnacle of a string of warm, dry vintages," declared Wine Spectator it its annual Oregon issue. (June 30, 2004)

Contributing to the 2002 crop of exceptional Oregon offerings is Van Duzer Vineyards' 2002 Estate Pinot Noir. "A dramatic surprise, it's aromatic, brimming with black cherry and hinting at smoke and spices as the flavors play against firm tannins. Needs time to soften, then fasten your seatbelt, " said Wine Spectator (May 31, 2004), rating the wine a "91." The Estate Pinot Noir is Van Duzer's most widely available Pinot Noir with production of 4,500 cases and a price of $22/bottle.

For Van Duzer, the 2002 bottlings represent a new benchmark of maturity across its 75-acre estate vineyards. "We are seeing consistent high quality across the entire property and a more balanced, richer quality in the grapes and wine grown on our estate," said winemaker, Jim Kakacek. He attributes the quality to the introduction of Dijon clones, investment in vineyard infrastructure and consistent practice of highly precise, sustainable farming.

Van Duzer's 2002 Estate Pinot Noir, released July 1, is drawn exclusively from the estate vineyards including the blocks previously bottled under the Barrel Select label. In keeping with the cool growing conditions, the wine shows Van Duzer's signature fresh plucked fruit flavors and bright balance, but with greater depth and body through the finish.

Three vineyard-designate Pinot Noirs are slated for release September 1. Flagpole Block which is planted to the Wadenswil grape clone, Homestead Block which derives from the Pommard clone, and Dijon Blocks Pinot Noirs illustrate the benefits of matching grape clones to vineyard sites and climatic conditions for which they are well suited. Only 300 cases each of Van Duzer's reserve wines were produced. They are priced at $32/bottle.

About Van Duzer Vineyards
Van Duzer Vineyards is an Oregon family winery and 100% estate fruit operation in the Willamette Valley. Its vineyards in the foothills of the Van Duzer Corridor are the first to benefit each summer evening from maritime breezes. The cool microclimate stamps Van Duzer wines with a bright fruit character, generous complexity and pleasing balance. The Thoma family practices sustainable farming on the vineyard and has been endorsed by internationally recognized LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) and Salmon Safe.