Vineyard: Van Duzer Estate

OwnerMarilynn Thoma
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2015 Van Duzer Dijon Blocks Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.52, 319 cases, $60. Dijon 777, 113, 115 and 114. 7-day post fermentation maceration. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of cherry, red berry and a compliment of oak. Silky in the mouth in a cohesive and forward drinking mid weight style, that features darker cherry fruit infused with ripe tannins. Nicely balanced, deft oak management, with a redeeming cherry-driven finish. Score: 92. Reviewed February 2, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Van Duzer Homestead Block Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.51, 243 cases, $60. 100% own-rooted Pommard clone. 10% whole cluster. 8 days of extended maceration. aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The best nose of the three Block Pinot Noirs in this vintage, offering bright aromas of fresh cherry, cola and spice. Delicious darker cherry essence that is expansive in the mouth and lingering on the finish. Silky and ephemeral, with righteous oak. Pinot royalty. Score: 94. Reviewed February 2, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Van Duzer Westside Blocks Estate Grown Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.46% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.53, 337 cases, $60. Dijon 777 and 113, Wädenswil, Pommard and Flower. These blocks are exposed to winds funneling through the Van Duzer Corridor and the fruit develops thicker skins, richer color and generous tannins. A barrel selection. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 46% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of dark berries and fertile earth. Highly flavorful with waves of inviting black cherry and boysenberry fruit flavors. Impeccably balanced with integrated tannins, energetic acidity and a big-time finish of excellent length. Score: 93. Reviewed February 2, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Van Duzer Alchemy Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 100 cases, $N/A. A barrel selection meant to be different each vintage but seems to end up as same composure: 33% Wädenswil, 33% 115, and 33% Pommard. Aged 18 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Effusive aromas of black cherry and spice leading to an amazing attack of ripe blueberry, black cherry and black raspberry fruits sprinkled with a hint of vanilla. The hair-raising attack and 30 second finish make you sit up in your chair. A very special wine. Score: 95-96. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Van Duzer Tradition Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

Pommard clone from Homestead Block. 66% whole cluster. Aged 2 years in 75% new French oak barrels. Expect to age this wine for 5 to 10 years. · Moderately light crimson color in the glass. Challenging to evaluate this young wine. A bit lighter weighted now than the Alchemy and more closed, offering aromas and flavors of cherry and pomegranate. There is oak in the background that needs to integrate and the prodigious tannic structure will benefit for a few years in the cellar. The potential is obvious and this may turn out to be more deserving of a higher score. Score: 91-93. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Van Duzer Westside Blocks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

(sampled from shiner) Several clones. Aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of cherry and spice that build over time in the glass. Sappy and luscious, featuring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, clove and other spices, and offering impressive length on the luxurious finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed September 7, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

13.2% alc., pH 3.15, TA 0.76, 2,001 cases, $18. Early pick produced a crisp backbone, and later pick created aromatic complexity. Whole cluster pressed, fermentation driven by four different yeast strains. Very slow and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by aging on the lees. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of yellow peach, lemon and vanilla creme. Flat-out delicious on the palate with terrific balance, this wine offers flavors of lemon-lime, banana and peach, and a rich and juicy finish with uncommon length for this varietal. This is a wine you want on the dinner table. Score: 93. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Van Duzer Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé

13.1% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.69, 1,960 cases, $18. Rigorous block selection using vines that were encouraged to produce a higher yield to retain acidity. Early pick of 115 and later pick of Wädenswil clone. After a short skin contact, the berries were gently pressed and inoculated with four different yeasts. Slow and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks followed by aging on lees. · Gorgeous pinkish orange color in the glass. Highly aromatic, with inviting scents of strawberry, cherry and watermelon. Crisp and sleek on the palate, with vibrant flavors of strawberry and peach, and an energetic, dry finish. One of Oregon’s best rosés. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris

13.2% alc., pH 3.23, TA 0.74, 2,100 cases, $18, screwcap. Released April 2014. Clones 146 and 152. Whole cluster pressed, slow and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks and aged on lees. · Pale yellow color and clear in the glass. The nose is really captivating with effusive aromas of peach, melon and mango. Crisp, light and refreshing, with a mix of tropical fruit, pear, and peach flavors that are vivid. Slightly creamy on the palate with a stony minerality in the background, and a thirst-quenching finish. A superb food wine. Score: 92. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé

13.1% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.64, 1,960 cases, $18, screwcap. Released June 2014 (sold out except Wine Club members). 63% Wädenswil and 37% 115. 100% estate grown. A rigorous block selection was used to create this wine. Selected vines were encouraged to produced a higher yield to retain acidity. An early pick of clone 115 and a later pick of Wädenswil clone were blended. This Rosé, like few others, is intentionally created through directives in the vineyard and winery to produce a distinctive wine. After gentle pressing, the juice was inoculated with four yeasts to highlight the aromas and mouthfeel. After a slow and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged on lees. · The color is an enticing modest orange coral in the glass. I loved the aromas of strawberry, blood orange and cut flower bouquet. This wine offers everything you could want in a Rosé with fresh flavors of strawberries, raspberries, orange zest, a hint of herbs in the background, a creamy mouthfeel and bright citrus-infused acidity. This dry wine is extremely agreeable to drink and unusually provocative for a Rosé. Score: 93. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé

13.1% alc., 1,800 cases, $18, screwcap. Release June 2014. 100% estate grown. A rigorous block selection was used to create this wine. Selected vines were encouraged to produced a higher yield to retain acidity. An early pick of clone 115 and a later pick of Wädenswil clone were blended. This Rosé, like few others, is intentionally created through directives in the vineyard and winery to produce a distinctive wine. After gentle pressing, the juice was inoculated with four yeasts to highlight the aromas and mouthfeel. After a slow and cold fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged on lees. · The color is a very pretty and modest orange coral. Love the aromas of strawberry, blood orange and cut flower bouquet. This wine offers everything you could want in a Rosé with fresh flavors of strawberries, raspberries, orange zest, a hint of herbs in the background, a creamy mouthfeel and bright citrus-infused acidity. This dry wine is extremely agreeable to drink and unusually provocative for a Rosé. Score: 93. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Panther Creek Winemaker’s Cuvée Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 1,290 cases, $30. A vineyard blend from Van Duzer and Amity vineyards. Aged 9 months in 30% new and 70% neutral French oak. · Moderately deep reddish purple color in the glass. Riper fruited with aromas of dark red cherries and berries, a little earthy flora, and even a touch of prune. Impressive attack and finish of dark red cherry, pomegranate and plum flavors. Well-structured with a suave presence and adept oak management. Finishes with a good charge of black cherry fruit. Score: 89. Reviewed August 25, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Van Duzer Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.63, TA 0.55, 6,376 cases, $32. 91% Van Duzer Vineyards with small contributions from four other vineyards. Multiple clones including Pommard, 777, 2A, 115, “828,” 667, 113 and 114. Each block fermented separately. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very fragrant aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice, smoke and wet earth. Tasty, mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, plum, and Asian 5-spice with a hint of oak in the background. This wine delivers a generous amount of fruit flavor and has the structural bones to last several years. Score: 90. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Van Duzer Dijon Blocks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.44, 195 cases, $55. 25% 777, 25% 115, 25% 113, 12.5% 114, and 12.5% 667. Each clone and block fermented separately. 7-10 days of extended maceration. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. A blend of the best of the Estate Dijon clone barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very primary nose upon opening, offering considerable more fruit-driven appeal the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Similarly, the wine is subdued on the palate, but the following day was much more interesting with plenty of sappy purple fruits and an earthy touch. Impressive harmony and finishing length. This wine needs more time in bottle to develop more personality and nuance. Score: 90-92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Van Duzer Homestead Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.07% alc., pH 3.67, TA 0.52, 142 cases, $60. Extended skin maceration of 8 days to enhance texture of the mid palate. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Shy, but pleasant aromas of black cherry, dried herbs, spice and balsam. The darker cherry and cranberry fruits wake up the palate on entry with impressive flavor intensity. A pleasing compliment of spice and oak add interest. Gracious harmony, with balanced tannins and a delicious cherry-driven finish. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Van Duzer Alchemy Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1%, $65. The best blocks, lots and barrels blended like alchemy. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is like cherry pie day at baking school, with hi-tone aromas of black cherries, spice and vanilla. The cherry core is succulent on the palate and there is good structural bones, but the wine is soft and comforting and offers good tension. The balance is spot-on, and the wine finishes with an explosion of luscious black cherry fruit. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more flamboyant aromatic and fruit expression. This wine will quickly give you a Pinot high. Score: 95. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.9% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.58, 5,686 cases, $32. 22% Pommard, 20% 777, 19% Wädenswil, 12% 115, 9% 667, 8% 113, and 1% 114. Released January 2014. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of red cherry, ripe strawberry, rose petal, spice and toasty oak. Light in weight and delicate on the palate, but with a pleasing core of red cherry, blueberry and raspberry fruits backed by complimentary oak notes. Not a blockbuster by any means, but demure and pleasing with juicy acidity, balanced tannins, and some finishing goodness. Admirable effort in this vintage. Score: 90. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Dijon Blocks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.59, TA 0.61, 145 cases, $55. 50% 777, 30% 115, 20% 113, and 10% 667. Released March 2014. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of cherry, strawberry, underbrush and herbs hold up nicely over time in the glass. Deep flavors of ripest strawberry and black cherry with a touch of spice. Fruit-laden but lively and bright with a charming kiss of cherry on the generous finish. Score: 90. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Flagpole Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.60, 123 cases, $55. 100% own-rooted Wädenswil planted in the early 1980s. A Wine Club selection. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The aromas of black cherry, strawberry, spice and cedary oak are fulfilling. Mid weight flavors of darker berries and sweet plum are underlain with a bright cut of acidity. Some grainy tannins show up on the dry, citrus-driven, sweet and sour finish. Score: 89. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Homestead Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.62, 120 cases, $55. 100% Pommard clone planted own-rooted in the early 1980s. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Invigorating aromas of black cherries, strawberries, spice, mocha and cedary oak lead to a satisfying mid palate attack of black cherry and black raspberry fruits complimented by spice and oak. The tannins are firm but integrated, and the juicy acidity brings the fruit to a vivid finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Saffron Fields Vineyard Yamhill-Carlton Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.78, TA 0.56, 123 cases, $60. 50% Wädenswil, 35% Pommard and 15% 115. 3rd leaf (68-acre vineyard planted in 2008). Aged in 50% new French oak barrels for 10 months. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is very appealing, with bright aromas of cherry pie glaze, spice and sandalwood. Delicious array of darker berry and stone fruits, nicely spiced and caressed by slightly grippy tannins. The seductive fruit appears to have reached good phenolic maturity in the cool vintage. Luscious and charming. Score: 92. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Van Duzer Alchemy Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.58, TA 0.60, 70 cases, $65. A barrel selection of wines with the most complex and intense fruit characteristics. 66% Van Duzer Vineyards (Flagpole and Homestead Blocks) and 33% Saffron Fields Vineyards. 50% Pommard, 30% 114, 20% 115. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of Bing cherry, alpine strawberry, baking spice and sandalwood. Mid to full-bodied sweet and sappy core of black cherry, black raspberry and black plum fruits accented with the right touch of oak. An impressive offering with impeccable balance that will reward cellaring. Score: 94. Reviewed June 24, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.56, 4,300 cases, $30. The first vintage made start to finish by a new winemaking team consisting of winemaker Jerry Murray, assistant winemaker Florent Merlier, and vineyard manager Bruce Sonnen. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Demure aromas of black cherries, briar, spice, and cedary oak. Flavors of earth bound cherries and plums wrapped in well-mannered tannins, finishing dry with a reasonable intensity. Nothing to criticize but doesn’t wake up my palate. Good. Reviewed November 24, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $24. · Sweet and floral scents with some farmyard and animale. Succulent blue and black fruits, tangy acidity and commendable balance. Reviewed January 30, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Van Duzer Estate Flagpole Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $45. Note: Van Duzer has had Brett in their wines and it has been part of the Van Duzer ’style,’ especially in the 2002, 2003 and 2004 vintages. In 2004, the Brett aromas were initially masked by the intense fruit, but with time as the fruit intensity dissipated, the Brett became obvious. I believe the problem was curtailed in the 2005 vintage and will be eliminated from the 2006 vintage on when the wines are produced in a newly constructed winery. Although there was no typical Brett aromas in the above wines, the aromatic profiles were a bit unusual and some may find them off-putting. That said, the wines are drinking quite nicely now. · Darkest in color of the three Van Duzer wines. The aromatics are strange, if not unpleasant showing some reduction with vanilla and floral notes and an unidentified chemical component. The dark fruit flavors, however, are luscious and layered, rich but not cloying. Acidity and tannins are reigned in and the whole package is nicely balanced. Reviewed January 30, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Van Duzer Estate Westside Block Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $45. · Similar aromatics as above, very floral with added earthiness. Black cherries and black raspberries are a bit tart and the tannins are forefront. The mouth feel is soft and inviting. Reviewed January 30, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

7,000 cases, $29. · A luscious and hearty Pinot Noir that has a very long finish. Rich, round, mature, sweet fruit saturates the mid palate and leaves a demure and creamy sensation. Reviewed August 14, 2006 WINERY »

2004 Van Duzer Dijon Blocks Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5%, $39. All of the three Van Duzer Pinot Noirs tasted were darker-colored and richer in style than any of the other Pinot Noirs in the lineup. Also worth a look: 2004 Van Duzer Homestead Block Pinot Noir 13.5% alc., $39, and 2004 Van Duzer Flagpole Block Pinot Noir 13.5% alc., $39. · I liked this one for its floral notes in the nose and on the palate. Nicely balanced, with a tangy finish featuring a citrus edge. Reviewed February 12, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »