LATE COOL SPELL MARKS 2004 PINOT NOIRS WITH DEPTH OF FLAVOR

Willamette Valley, OR, September 1, 2006 – Van Duzer Vineyards released today two 2004 block-designate Pinot Noirs that benefited from an eight week period of moderate temperatures between veraison and harvest. The 2004 Flagpole Block Pinot Noir and 2004 Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir bottlings, just 300 cases each, display a degree of finish that reflects the long period of maturation on the vine. Individually, the bottlings show distinct sensory profiles, each the happy confluence of its Pinot Noir clonal variety and favored vineyard sites.

The one-third acre Flagpole Block was Van Duzer's first block designate Pinot Noir back in 1999 and since then has reliably displayed a concentrated cherry fruit balanced by Wädenswil-influenced impressions of fresh earth, cedar and spice. The 2004 Flagpole Block Pinot Noir delivers the same goods, supplemented by aromas of blackberry pie and fresh truffle. Blackberry carries through on a fat mid-palate and chocolate-raspberry truffle finish. Flagpole's usual pleasing balance proves a degree more elegant and velvety in 2004.

Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir is the newer block designate, and as its name suggests, displays an intriguing play of aromas and flavor notes associated with the three Dijon clones—777, 115 and 113—that make up the 2004 blend. A very rich and approachable wine, the initial impressions of huckleberry and ultra-juicy red and black fruits also suggest vanilla and brambles. Flavors of ripe cherry and blackberry, clove, vanilla and smoky toast linger long and sweet. Both wines carry a suggested price of $39.

A late cool spell in the 2004 growing season allowed Winemaker Jim Kakacek and Vineyard Manager Norbert Fiebig to eke out 7 to 8 weeks of hang time between veraison and harvest. The extended cool, dry spell more than compensated for ill-timed rains and a heat spike earlier in the 2004 growing season. As a result, the wines brim with ripe fruit aromas and fully developed flavors. The wines spent 15 months in a mix of new and neutral French oak barrels before being pronounced ready.

Homestead Block, usually released at this time, has been held for a spring, 2007 release when it will be more forthcoming in its full complexity. Van Duzer will also introduce in 2007 its first block-designate drawn from the Westside Blocks planted in 2001.

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.