Van Duzer Wines … Among the Best of the Best American Pinot Noir’s

We have written many times about the dynamics of the wine industry and the effect climate change can have on it. While the gods of weather have frowned upon the California vineyards in recent years, they have been more than generous to those of the State Oregon and most specifically, on the Willamette Valley the home of Van Duzer Vineyards. As proof of the last statement we give you the latest vintages from Van Duzer Vineyards, a winemaker who year after year have set themselves a goal to produce fine wines possible from the grapes of Willamette Valley and have proven that exceptional wines can still be produced while maintaining a reasonable price structure.

Van Duzer 2014 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé ($18). Rosé wines are usually an afterthought made from the leftovers of a red wine fermentation and are rarely of any serious quality. Not so with this wine. The only difference between this wine and the regular Pinot Noir is that the skins of the grapes, which are the source of a wines color, are allowed to remain with the juice that will be used to make the wine for just enough time to tint it rosé pink. What results is a dry wine that captures all of the flavor and aroma nuances of the Pinot Noir grape and presents them in the free and open fruity style of a rosé wine. The aroma is filled with scents of wild flowers, strawberries, and licorice. The flavor stresses strawberries and watermelon, which follow through to the very long and clean finish. We cannot say enough about this wine nor heap enough superlatives. It is a pure delight and can accompany almost everything. If you miss this wine you will have missed one of the great joys of the wine world.

Van Duzer 2014 Estate Pinot Gris ($18). Pinot Gris, or as it is also known, Pinot Grigio, is a white wine originating in Italy that has found a new home in the state of Oregon. The soil and climate there have blessed the vineyards with near perfect Pinot Gris growing conditions and results in a wine displaying a very pale golden color and a rich aroma of citrus, honeysuckle, apple, pear backed up by a hint of nectarine. The flavor abounds with the sensation of pear and melon, which carry over to the long finish, fruity and complex. A very noticeable feature of this wine is its effective, although restrained acid level. Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio, whatever you wish to call it, is magnificently represented but this wine.

Van Duzer 2014 Riesling ($20) This Riesling has been made in the modern dry style and is specifically directed at those who want to enjoy the variety without the excessive sweetness often associated with it. This is a dynamic wine that accentuates all of the fruit flavors that the Riesling grape can deliver. An apricots character runs through the aroma along with that of orange blossom and raisins. The aroma has a jasmine quality about it as well as a suggestion of violets. The flavor mirrors the aroma with the addition of a suggestion of lemon. This wine just begs to be served with Asian dishes as well as a wine to accompany seafood and is an absolute stand out when set to accompanying pork, veal, or lamb dishes.

Van Duzer 2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir ($32). The Van Duzer 2012 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is, among the finest example of an American Pinot Noir that we have tasted in a very long time. This wine displays an aroma of cranberry, blueberry, and raspberry, cherry, and plum with suggestions of chocolate and black tea in the background. The flavor incorporates all of the elements of the aroma where they merge with blackberries, blueberries, vanilla and oak then ends with a finish that is as fruity as is the flavor and as long. If you have never tried a Pinot Noir, this one is sure impress you.