Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Gris 08
Van Duzer Vineyards Pinot Gris 08 offers an initial impression of restrained pineapple, peach, apricot and star fruit on top of a clean flinty note. These flavors give way in the tasting to assertive flavors of the same stone fruit and citrus families. Behind, the minerality starts to show and the finish slowly tapers off into yellow grapefruit and apricot. Brought to brilliant clarity in stainless steel, our estate-grown Pinot Gris retains the dry, clean, crisp freshness for which it has become known. It’s easy to imagine this dry Pinot Gris with sushi, salads and Asian cuisine. - the winery
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar June 01, 2008:
"Light yellow. Fresh peach and melon aromas are underscored by white flowers and chalky minerality. Juicy, finely etched orchard fruit and melon flavors offer refreshing energy and finish with good lift and cut."
WINEMAKING
We like to capture the fresh fruit character inherent in the Pinot Gris grapes, relying solely on processing in stainless steel and releasing soon after bottling. The grapes are harvest by hand, then whole-cluster pressed, the gentlest method of extracting juice for fermentation. The juice is cold-settled for 24 hours prior to being transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Bottling takes place after only three months, in early January of the following year.
MORE INFORMATION
Previous VIntage Tasting Notes
2006 Tasting notes
SF Chronicle says: "THREE STARS 2006 Van Duzer Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Gris ($17) Van Duzer's estate vineyard has the same average high daily temperatures as all of northern Willamette Valley, but its average lows are 13 degrees lower. Grapes there ripen later, developing more flavor while maintaining their natural acidity. That plays out in this wine, which features bright pineapple and green apple fruit and keeps evolving in the glass."
Every year, this rich, lush Pinot gris comes and goes in a month or so. Jim has done his usual excellent job. Jim works with 22 year old vine Pinot Gris clone 146 for its grapefruit and flinty characters and clone 152 for complementary peach, melon, honey and fig flavors. Very special. The new vintage of this highly acclaimed Gris is refreshment in a bottle! Light, crisp, with bright peach, juicy green apple and honeyed citrus fruit. Come on 80 degree days! -Avalon
From the winery: Our 2005 Estate Pinot Gris is in the classic Van Duzer style - crisp, light and lively, with tantalizing aromas of nectarine, fresh white fig, tangerine, honeysuckle and a hint of mineral flintiness. Flavors in the mouth come through as white peach, cantaloupe, fig, and, again, a touch of minerality. The crisp, clean mouth feel comes from the balance between the low pH and the hint of residual sweetness.
We make our Pinot Gris to consume right after bottling, enhancing the grape's fresh fruit essence through oak-free handling. This versatile wine will pair well with many dishes, especially lighter summer fare, salads, seafood and Asian inspired foods. - the winery
Pinot Gris is Oregon's emphatic answer to Pinot Grigio. In our Willamette Valley climate, the Pinot Gris grape develops weight and richness and full fruit flavors. Van Duzer's Pinot Gris grows on five acres planted to Pinot Gris clones 146 and 152. Together, the grape clones produce a wine that registers strongly of stone fruit and citrus with a flinty edge.
We like to capture the fresh fruit character inherent in the Pinot Gris grapes, relying solely on processing in stainless steel and releasing soon after bottling. The grapes are harvest by hand, then whole-cluster pressed, the gentlest method of extracting juice for fermentation. The juice is cold-settled for 24 hours prior to being transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation. Bottling takes place after only three months. - the winery
