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Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2019

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

A true expression of America’s newest AVA, the Laurelwood Pinot Noir is a blend of Ponzi’s Aurora, Avellana and Madrona Vineyards along with Gemini, Alloro, Paloma and Sufi Vineyards, all of which are situated in the Laurelwood District AVA and LIVE Certified Sustainable. Each of the sites in this wine offers a different aspect, vine age, and root depth. Higher elevation sites and younger vineyards contribute bright red fruit and floral character while the lower elevation sites and older vineyards bring darker fruit and brambly spice character, all seamlessly knit together by fine, chalky tannin. This nested AVA of the Chehalem Mountains spreads across the northern slopes, largely protected from coastal rains, allowing the basalt soils to retain water in the spring and slowly, evenly drain throughout the growing season, bringing an inherent balance to the grape and a measured intensity to the wines.

WINEMAKING

Harvest: Sep-Oct 2019
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: In small lots, with daily punch-downs
Aging: 14 months, 20% new French oak, 10 months in bottle

Vintage

The Throwback Vintage, is a reminder of more classic Oregon vintages and the reason the winery was established over 50 years ago. A mild summer, with just a hint of humidity, brought us into the fall with dry weather into September. Picking began with the sparkling and Rose fruit, and then the dance began between clear sunny skies and rainy days. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit slowly ripened and was harvested in waves between the rainy and sunny days, retaining beautiful acidity and freshness. The pace was reasonable and the harvest was completed in late October. The resulting wines are elegant, low alcohol and fully express what the Willamette Valley can achieve in a cooler vintage. It was a year where winemakers were required to draw on past harvest and put into practice lessons learned. Experience definitely mattered in this vintage.

Tasting Notes

“This perfumed nose shows beautiful spice notes of black pepper, nutmeg and mesquite with floral aromas of lavender and dried rose petal. Ripe blueberry, raspberry and blackberry bramble mingle throughout. The mouth mimics the nose with spice notes, maple, black cherry reduction and dried sage. Chocolate nibs, malted and cinnamon frame the sweet mid palate, fresh with juicy acidity and finishing with lovely long, dusty tannins.” 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

Farming

LIVE Certified Sustainable

Alcohol

14.1%

Suggested Retail Price

$45

Reviews

93

"Delicious finish"

James Suckling - June 7, 2022

"Juicy and flavorful with redcurrant and berry character, medium body, creamy tannins and a delicious finish. Sustainable."-  J.S 4/22

 

92

"Loamy earth and dusty spices"

Wine Spectator - March 24, 2023

"A handsome red, refined and well-built, with blueberry and cherry flavors accented by loamy earth and dusky spices. Finishes with medium-grained tannins."-  T.F 3/23

 

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Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir Bottle Shot

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