Late Heat Spike Adds Rich Finish to Pinot Noirs
Van Duzer Vineyards Releases 2003 Vineyard-Designates

Willamette Valley, OR, Sept 1, 2005...A late season heat spike sent many 2003 Oregon Pinot Noirs over the 14% alcohol level. From its cool-weather site in the Van Duzer corridor, Van Duzer Vineyards weathered the heat quite well, moderating the heat with judicious irrigation and effectively drawing out the maturation process. The 2003 vineyard designates, released today, show the benefit of their extended time on the vine. They exhibit uniformly rich character, substantial body and moderate alcohol close to the 13.5% target.

The limited release wines, each drawn from different pinot noir clones and blocks within the vineyard, possess their own distinctive characteristics. The Flagpole Block, Homestead Block and Dijon Blocks Pinot Noirs carry suggested retail pricing of $38 and are available in quantities of 300 to 350 cases.

Flagpole Block Pinot Noir is produced from the Wädenswil grape that offers layered, earthy Burgundian flavors. Winemaker Jim Kakacek notes aromas of hibiscus flower, spice, cedar and wild mushroom in the 2003 bottling, as well as ripe blue and black fruit on the nose. A sip serves up flavors of blackberry and currant finishing long and sweet with velvety fine tannins.

Homestead Block Pinot Noir, derived from the Pommard grape, is known for its exceptionally pure dark cherry character. The 2003 vintage presents heady aromatics of blackberry, bing cherry and black cherry with touches of fresh cedar, violet and spice. More rich and dense than 2002, the flavors are bright black cherry and marionberry fruit with fine-grained tannins ensuring an impressively persistent finish.

Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir is a blend of three Dijon clones – 115, 667, and 777 – that together achieve the opulent style suggested by the name. This big, rich, lush wine suggests ripe plum, black cherry, blueberry and a hint of exotic spices on the nose. In the mouth, sweet fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry and cassis mingle with underlying hints of clove, vanilla and nutmeg. A slightly smoky, spicy note carries through on a long finish.

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 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.