It was back in 1998 that Carl and Marilynn Thoma chose to settle on a windy knoll 2 miles down a dirt road in Dallas, Oregon. This 82 acre site was the location for their future winery. The Thomas had great success prior to starting Van Duzer. Carl grew up on his family’s cattle ranch in Oklahoma and learned about agriculture at an early age. He became intrigued by the fledgling California wine industry during his graduate school days. During the 1990’s, Carl began building a portfolio of premier California vineyards and gradually settled on the Willamette Valley as the site for a family estate winery. Carl is the Founder and Managing Partner at renowned private equity firm, Thoma Bravo.
Marilynn was key in designing the branding and has brand management experience at Quaker Oats and Cellular Network. Together they rely on winemaker Eric Misiewicz who was originally raised in New Hampshire where he spent his summers working on local vegetable farms. This inspired a love for the land, leading him to Cornell University, where he received a degree in Viticulture and Enology.
The new wines were very good. I really enjoyed the 2023 Van Duzer ‘Estate’ Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is dense and shows good length. Learn more about these wines at https://vanduzervineyards.com and here are my reviews of the new Van Duzer wines.
2023 Van Duzer ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2023 Van Duzer ‘Estate’ Chardonnay comes off soft and generous with poached pear and brioche tones on the palate, with Meyer lemon zest and nutty underpinnings. Offering good length, enjoy now and over the next eight plus years. Drink 2025-2033- 92
2023 Van Duzer ‘Estate’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Estate’ comes off a touch lean considering the richness of the vintage. Salted pomegranate and red cherry candy parade with orange peel on the palate. Drink 2025-2030— 90
2023 Van Duzer ‘Flagpole Block’ Pinot Noir- The 2023 ‘Flagpole Block’ Pinot Noir comes rom a steep, eastern block on the estate vineyard. Wet rock and cranberry flavors combine with shades of wild strawberry and salty minerals on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy now. Drink 2025-2031- 91
2022 Van Duzer ‘Homestead Block’ Pinot Noir- This barrel selection 2022 ‘Homestead Block’ Pinot Noir is already nicely evolved at the two year mark. Wild mushroom and suggestions of bergamot combine with wild blackberry and red currants on the palate. Drink 2025-2033- 92