Fresh Vintage Meets High Expectations
Spring Heralds the Release of Van Duzer's Estate Wines

Willamette Valley, OR, March 1, 2005......Van Duzer Vineyards releases today the 2003 Estate Pinot Noir, a notable successor to the acclaimed 2002 bottling. The winery also releases the 2004 Estate Pinot Gris, a seasonal favorite, perfect for spring and summer fare.

The challenging 2003 growing season did not derail the estate vineyards' recent track record of producing savory, well balanced pinot noirs. Van Duzer's 2003 Estate Pinot Noir is every bit as rich and complex as the 2002 vintage. The nose is a merry-go-round of different aromas. Black cherry, blackberry and currant, with floral aromas of violet and hibiscus, make up the 'body' of the nose. Each additional sniff brings something new.....red cherry and rose petal, then fresh-turned earth, mint lavender and cinnamon graham. In the mouth the wine is savory with lots of ripe fruit flavors of blackberry, black cherry, lingonberry and black currant. The tannins are soft but mouth-filling. The acid backbone is disguised by the sweet, ripe fruit, promising years of enjoyment if one has the patience to wait. 5,000 cases produced.

The 2002 Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir was a stellar vintage that was well-received across the country, earning a place on the Top 100 Wines of 2004 list published by Wine Spectator each December. During a visit to the winery last March, Harvey Steiman of Wine Spectator rated the 2002 Estate Pinot Noir a '91' and noted that, "Van Duzer's 2003s, tasted from the barrel, are at least as good." (Wine Spectator, June 30, 2004)

Van Duzer's 2004 Estate Pinot Gris was produced in our signature crisp, dry style and is ready to be drunk soon after bottling. A swirl of the glass suggests ripe pineapple, star fruit, flint and Mediterranean fig. A taste brings flavors of fresh pear and hints of lime and honeydew melon. Similar to previous vintages, there is a flinty edge int he taste, adding interest to the juicy, crisp, mineral finish. With only 1,200 cases produced it's sure to go quickly.

Five acres of Pinot Gris, clones 146 and 152, on the eastern portion of the estate were the source for the bottling. Clone 146 showcases the grapefruit and flinty expressions found in our wine while clone 152 donates complementary flavors of peach, melon, honey and fig.

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.