The vines planted on the steep terrain of Van Duzer’s Westside Bowl in 2001 have come into their own as the source of rich, ripe Pinot Noir grapes. the distinctive style has been captured with the 2005 vintage, in the release of the first block-designate named for the Westside Block.

Daytime heat is contained in the west-facing bowl, which also benefits from more sunlight than the rest of the Van Duver estate. "This new designate represents the difference that 200 degree days can have on Pinot Noir wine," said Jim Kakacek, winemaker. Kakacek based his Westside blend on select barrels representing the five Pinot Noir clones planted there and the most promising sections of that vineyard block. "It is a distinctively different style of Pinot Noir that deserves its own label." $540/case, $45/bottle

Deep, dark elegance in nicely balanced form.

The Wädenswil vines on the small parcel (just 1 and 1/3 acres) just below the flagpole which greets visitors to the Van Duzer Vineyards produce wines of great nuance that only gets more compelling with time. Planted in 1982, the Flagpole Block was the source of Van Duzer's first vineyard-designate Pinot Noir.

Lately it seems that each of Van Duzer’s Block Designates ages according to different physiological clocks. The wait has paid off for Flagpole Block, our Wädenswil-based original Block Designate Pinot Noir. A dry summer in 2005 produced especially rich, concentrated fruit. Following two and one-half years in the cellar, the wine is “open for business.” $540/case, $45/bottle

Violet accents to a classic meaty wine.

For several years, we’ve been beguiled by the powerful fruit coming off this small vineyard which, as its name suggests, was the site of the homestead on the property. The plot was planted in 1982 to vines of the Burgundian Pommard clone which have responded to conditions on the south-facing elevated benchland site with remarkably concentrated flavors of dark cherry.

First bottled under its own name in 2000, Homestead Block is distinguished for its depth and purity of fruit character. Rose, hibiscus and violet rise from the glass to mingle wiht black cherry and cedar. Classi Pinot Noir meatiness complements flavors of dark cherry, sweet oak and baking spices. A deep, long lasting finish. Just 300 cases. $540/case, $45/bottle

Six Dijon-clone Pinot Noir grape varieties grow on the Van Duzer estate. As a rule, the Dijon clones, being early to ripen, are likely to grow to full flavor development. With their individual flavor characters, a blend of Dijon clones offers a rich medley of sweet fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry, and cassis notes layered with hints of chocolate, exotic spices, and smoke.

Our winemaker selects the clones each vintage that come together most spectacularly for a limited-release bottling. $540/case, $45/bottle