Van Duzer Dijon Blocks Pinot noir 05
Van Duzer Dijon Block Pinot noir 05 is made from grapes planted throughout the vineyard, all of a specific type of Pinot noir called the "Dijon Clones" of Pinot noir.
From the broad palate of Dijon clone Pinot Noirs grown on the Van Duzer Estate, select barrels of the 2005 Dijon 777, 667 and 115 stood out for their distinction and compatibility. Tasters who favor the lively spice notes of Dijon grapes will find aromas of clove and cardamom, sandalwood and truffle to complement generous blueberry, blackberry and pomegranate. The initial impression in the mouth of sweet fruit gives way to flavors of black cherry/berry, pomegranate, clove and nutmeg. Baker’s Chocolate, sandalwood, cedar and hibiscus register as well. In this dense, rich wine, the tannins have some grip until softened with breathing time. - the winery
THE VINEYARDS
The 25-year-old vines that are the source for this blend of Dijon-clone Pinot Noir fruit originally bore chardonnay fruit. However, in 1998 and 1999 we grafted the vines over to Dijon varieties of Pinot Noir. We liked the early-ripening character of the Dijon clones because it extends the period of maturation when the grapes grow in concentration and complexity. - the winery
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar - 89 Points:
"Ruby-red. Complex. perfumed bouquet of dark cherry, cassis, anise and Indian spices. Luscious black raspberry and kirsch flavors offer impressive depth and are enlived by zesty minerality. Gains energy and focus on the long, vibrant finish." May/June 2008
Previous Vintage tasting notes
2004 tasting Notes
Wine Spectator rating 92 points. An Avalon Reserve Pinot noir Club Selection for December 2005.
CELLAR SELECTION. Ripe plum, black cherry and blueberry arise instantly with a swirl of the glass, followed by hints of chocolate, hibiscus, violet and exotic spices. In the mouth, rich, sweet fruit flavors of blackberry, cherry and cassis mingle with underlying touches of clove, vanilla and nutmeg. A slightly smoky, spicy note carries through a long finish.
Prince of Pinot, in his September 28th Pinotfile, says: "An appealing bouquet of red, black and purple fruits enhanced with spice is duplicated in the flavors. The fruit is vibrant with melt in your mouth sweetness. This beauty has a lighter feel than the other wines of the trio. Very well-bred."
2003 Tasting Notes
Wine Spectator rating 92 points for 2003 vintage.
"Perfumed with floral and cherry notes, this wine draws you in from the start. . . . An elegant Pinot lover's Pinot." -PinotFile
Made from a blend of three Dijon clones of Pinot noir, Clone 777 (50%), Clone 115 (30%), and Clone 113 (20%).
Huckleberry and other ultra-juicy ripe red and black fruits dominate the initial impression of this highly approachable wine. Faint notes of vanilla, brambles, and a perfume-scented crushed amber register on the senses. To the taste, ripe cherry and blackberry are joined by clove, vanilla and smoky toast, all of which remain in a long, sweet finish. - the winery
Van Duzer greatly increased its plantings of Dijon clone Pinot Noir in 1998 and 1999 when they grafted the vines to Chardonnay roots, now 25 years of age. Besides their individual sensory contributions, the Dijon clones from Burgundy are known to produce grapes that ripen earlier, allowing for more 'hang time' and more concentration of flavor.
Jim selected 3 of the 9 Pinot Noir clones planted on the estate because of the unique attributes each brought to the wine. The Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir consists of the 777 clone that is full bodies with silky tannins, the 115 clone with red raspberry flavors, and the 113 clone with good acid balance and some floral aromas.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were hand harvested and sorted in the field in the early morning hours. The cool grapes were delivered to the winery and de-stemmed and crushed leaving approximately 40% whole berries. The must was inoculated using yeast isolates from Burgundy and allowed to heat naturally, resulting in a 4-day cold maceration and a relatively cool fermentation. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak and 50% once-used French oak barrels. After 10 months of aging the selected lots were blended and the wine returned to barrels for an additional 4 months of aging to allow the blend to marry. The wine was hand bottled, unfiltered and unfined.
2002 tasting Notes
Wine Spectator rating 89 points for 2002 vintage: "On the tart side, but rich in texture, offering tangy cherry, earth and exotic spice flavors, finishing on a smoky note. Best from 2006 through 2010. 300 cases made."(HS)
Van Duzer greatly increased its plantings of Dijon clone Pinot Noit in 1998 and 1999 when we grafted the vines to Chardonnay roots, now 22 years of age. Besides their individual sensory contributions, the Dijon clones from Burgundy are known to produce grapes that ripen earlier, allowing for more 'hang time' and more concentration of flavor. Jim selected 3 of the 9 Pinot Noir clones planted on the estate because of the unique attributes each brought to the wine. The Dijon Blocks Pinot Noir consists of the 777 clone that is full bodies with silky tannins, the 115 clone with red raspberry flavors, and the 113 clone with good acid balance and some floral aromas.
WINEMAKING
The grapes were heand harvested and sorted int he field in the early morning hours. The cool grapes were delivered to the winery and de-stemmed and crushed leaving approximately 40% whole berries. The must was inoculated using yeast isolates from Burgundy and allowed to heat naturally, resulting in a 4-day cold maceration and a relatively cool fermentation. The wine was aged in 50% new French oak and 50% once-used French oak barrels. After 10 months of aging the selected lots were blended and the wine returned to barrels for an additional 4 months of aging to allow the blend to marry. The wine was hand bottled, unfiltered and unfined.
