This announcement also allows us to thank all of you who have contributed to the success of Dusky Goose Pinot Noir and welcome the new friends we have gained over the year. We hope you found the 2003 vintage gratifying and made room in your cellar to lay down bottles for future enjoyment.

We are deeply honored to have received the following recognition for the Dusky Goose 2003 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir:

• Selected in June 2005 by Pascal Sauton & Julie Hunter of Carafe Bistro for their Academie Culinaire Dinner. Read more...
• Awarded “Best North American Red” in Spring 2006 by E & R Wines, Portland, OR. Read more...
• Chosen by Kimberly and Vitaly Paley, of Paley’s Place, Portland, OR to be paired with their menu at the James Beard House Foundation Dinner in New York on May 9, 2006. Read more...

Most of all, we want to extend our sincere appreciation to winemaker Lynn Penner-Ash and her staff at Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. Lynn has treated Dusky Goose as one of her own valued wines and continues to combine her skill, passion and artistry to produce a truly intense and dynamic Pinot Noir.

Notes from Lynn on the 2004 vintage – Another Unique Growing Season in Oregon:

“Vintage 2004 was one of extremes. After an extremely warm and dry vintage in 2003, the vines started vintage 2004 stressed. Normally, we’d see the bulk of our annual rainfall before the vines break bud in the spring, but in March 2004 we had hot days with temperatures in the 90’s. The vines broke bud early and started growing when the traditionally cool spring weather returned.

The vineyards worked hard to protect what little fruit was left on the vine. Finally, the summer arrived only to be confronted with uneven berry maturation due to the cool wet weather at harvest. We had to green cluster thin the already tiny crop to protect the fruit that had the potential to ripen. Hard choices were made; emotions were pretty high with many vineyards losing entire crops and some of our old favorites producing just 0.20 tons to the acre.

Our drama didn’t end when early fall rains arrived bringing rain to the dry hills of Oregon. Some panicked, while others rejoiced that the traditional wines of Oregon had returned with lower alcohol and higher acidity found in cooler harvests. We had seen wetter vintages in Oregon and had still made great wines so we waited out the rains. Fortunately, we were rewarded with sunshine, and harvested ripe and concentrated fruit from the vineyards. The 2004 vintage produced wines with layered elegance, full of lush fruit and focused acidity. Enjoy!”

On behalf of the Carter and Lundgren families, I am very proud to offer the Dusky Goose 2004 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir!

With warm regards and great expectations,

John D. Carter