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Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022

Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley

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As one of the major wine publications once wrote, “All Oregon Pinot Noirs are measured against the Ponzi yardstick”. That has been true for over 50 years, while the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards all planted on Laurelwood soils. Taking on the mantle of pioneer spirit and innovation from their parents, sisters Maria and Luisa launched a decade-long pursuit, alongside neighboring growers, which has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District. Situated along the Northern ridge of the Willamette Valley, a long contiguous stretch of ancient fractured basalts are layered over with a fine, windblown sediment called loess. During their tenure on this unique land, the Ponzis have observed the unique characteristics as their vines penetrated the earth and evolved. Bright red fruit character in their youth gives way to dark berry and brambly spice as the vines reach into the volcanic layers.  The character of this soil has defined the Ponzis’ wines and served as a guide for generations of winemakers in the Willamette Valley. 

VINEYARD

This Pinot Noir is a selection of fruit from the Laurelwood District AVA, predominately made up of our estate vineyards Avellana, Aurora, and Linda Vista. Along with selections from our trusted growers at Gemini and Chehalem Crossing Vineyard, all LIVE Certified Sustainable and grown in Laurelwood soil.

WINEMAKING

Harvest: Sep-Oct 2022
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: In small lots, with daily punch-downs
Aging: 10 months, 30% new French oak, 12 months in bottle

VINTAGE

2022 saw an early spring but a later summer, which came on strong and October arrived dry – one of the warmest in Oregon history – allowing fruit to perfectly ripen.

TASTING NOTE

“The initial nose is warm raspberry jam, chili pepper and chipotle balanced
by flinty notes of gunsmoke and red clay that open to rose petals, magnolia,
cloves, and salt air. The mouth holds long , dark tannins of cola, white pepper, and spices of star anise, cardamom, and juniper, finishing with an explosion of blue fruit. Our Laurelwood soil meets Burgundy in this glass.” – Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

FOOD PAIRING

“With bright red fruit, silky texture, and fine tannins, Ponzi’s Laurelwood Pinot Noir is a perfect pairing with seared duck breast and cranberry coulis, creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms, or a beet and lentil salad with tarragon vinaigrette.” – Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Appellation

Laurelwood District, Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley

Alcohol

13.8%

Suggested Retail Price

$49

Reviews

94

James Suckling - April 15, 2024 "Bright and vibrant nose with strawberries, blood oranges, crushed spices, pine resin and dried herbs. Hints of bergamot. Very fine and tense phenolic structure, almost giving some chalky chewiness to it, but it’s very textural and refined. Medium-bodied with a mineral backbone."

93

Wine Spectator - May 18, 2023 "Shows elegance and a polished structure, with refined flavors of raspberry and cherry accented by rose petal, dusky spice and orange peel notes that sail toward fine-grained tannins."

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