Winemaker Jim Kakacek has a simple philosophy for winemaking, "Do what's right for the wine." The philosophy may sound simple, but in an industry that has no right or wrong in production, it means tailor-fitting winemaking style to each separate lot, of each varietal, from each vintage. Continuous experimentation and redevelopment of techniques will optimize quality. Some of the experiments and techniques which have been employed are; matching barrel woods and coopers to not only the clone but also individual vineyard lots, yeast strains and malo-lactic cultures, and adjusting fermentation methods to the vagaries of Mother Nature each vintage. All the fine-tuning may assure that no two vintages are identical, but one can be certain that Van Duzer wines will be of consistent high quality and a fine complement to any meal or social event.

The Winemaker

Jim Kakacek (pronounced "Kuh-kay-sic") is a recent arrival to the State of Oregon but by no means a stranger to the vinification of Oregon grapes. Beginning in December of 1995, Jim has been in control of the winemaking for Van Duzer Wines. In spite of the logistics involved with growing grapes in one state and producing wine in another, these new wines have been well received. While working on the Van Duzer wines, Jim was also responsible for developing the Bighorn Ranch Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa. With four Oregon vintages under his supervision and his desire to focus on Pinot Noir, Jim actually asked to relocate from Napa Valley to Oregon to work for Carl Thoma and Van Duzer Wines of Oregon. A University of California, Davis graduate in enology, Jim received his practical training at Monticello Cellars in Napa Valley. Starting out as an intern working harvest, he rose rapidly to become winemaker. He was part of the team that created the 1988 Corley Reserve Chardonnay (Spectator Top 100-1990) and, while winemaker, made the 1992 Corley Reserve Chardonnay, which tied for the top Chardonnay on the Spectator Top 100 list in 1994. Although noted for his Chardonnays, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir is Jim's true passion. While working at Monticello, he discovered the attraction of making this difficult, delicate varietal, and thereby took his first step on the road to Oregon.

The Vineyards

With approximately 60 acres of grapes in production and 80 more slated for development, variety and clonal selection play a large role in producing high quality estate wines. Currently planted at half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay, these vines are, on average, over 15 years old. Thoma and Kakacek intend to increasingly focus on Pinot Noir and have employed the technique of "field grafting" to enhance Thoma Vineyard's varietal and clonal selection. Field grafting has allowed us to introduce the new "Dijon" clones from France into our blend of Pinot Noir clones. By grafting wood from the new clones onto mature rootstocks, we have, in effect, 15-year-old vines of these new clonal selections! In 1998, five acres of Chardonnay were converted to Pinot Noir 113 and 115. In 1999, these vines will produce a full crop of new clone Pinot Noir. In 1999, five more acres will be converted to Pinot Noir 667 and 777 and five acres will be converted to Pinot Gris. With these conversions, Thoma Vineyards can utilize seven clones of Pinot Noir, still including the classic clones of Pommard and Wadensville, as well as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.

The Owners

Carl and Marilyn Thoma are the owners of Thoma Vineyards (the new home of Van Duzer Wines) and the managing principals of Parducci Wine Estates. As a venture capitalist, Carl is always looking for the "coming thing," so when his love of fine wines led him to Oregon, he added carefully to his portfolio of premier wine producing properties. A firm believer in the concept of "quality in-quality out," Carl and Marilyn are committed to producing only the finest wines. Starting in the vineyards and continuing through to the winery, they are the first to insist on state of the art equipment and techniques, as long as they produce superior quality wines!

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Cole Danehower on
Oregon Wine

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on
Northwest Wine

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Wine Press NW

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