LIVE from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Van Duzer Vineyards with winemaker Jerry D. Murphy. In Oregon for 5 days of wine FUN and intense research, tune in for segments to air in November and December as well as video segments from our trip posted here on the video page.
Van Duzer Vineyards was built on a dream to find a cool weather site in Oregon for the fussy Pinot Noir grape that would rival the best wines of Burgundy in balance and finesse. In 1989, Van Duzer Vineyards owners Carl and Marilynn Thoma located a hilltop winery with existing vineyards immediately west of the Eola Hills. The estate site occupies a strategic site in the foothills of the Van Duzer Corridor, the conduit through the Coastal Mountains for maritime breezes that enter the Willamette Valley at the close of summer evenings.
Because Van Duzer Vineyards benefits uniquely from the western wind that flows strongly through the Van Duzer Corridor to the interior Willamette Valley, the winery selected a Zephyr, the gentle west wind of Greek mythology, to grace the wine label. According to Greek legend, Zephyr and other wind gods are commanded by Aeolus, king of the winds. Oregon’s famed Eola Hills wine region lies immediately to the east of Van Duzer Vineyards and is named for Aeolus.
The Good Life Guy Wine of the Week:
The 2007 Van Duzer Estate Pinot Noir
A fine balance of tannins, fruit and acid foretell incredible ageability and a wine that unfolds in complexity. Clear fruit notes of ripe Bing cherry, raspberry, cranberry and currents are matched by refined loamy earth and spice cabinet characters, filling the mouth with richness.
2009 Van Duzer Estate Pinot Gris
Honey poached pear, Asian apple and lemongrass dance on the senses in this tangy crisp Pinot Gris. Two Pinot Gris clones complement each other, Clone 146 with its minerality and steely backbone, Clone 152 with its fruit and complexity. The near dry wine awakens the palate and proves a versatile pairing with spicy appetizers to lighter meats.