Ponzi Vineyards

Tavola Pinot Noir 2021

Willamette Valley, Oregon

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The 2021 Tavola Pinot Noir continues a string of amazing Tavola vintages. While made from lower elevation sites and younger vines, and handled in a way to emphasize a fruit-forward character, with soft tannins, anything Luisa Ponzi approaches will have high quality as a prerequisite. Tavola is the type of wine that can be an introduction to Oregon and Willamette Valley Pinot Noir and, with its generous fruit and exotic spice, and floral notes, the start of a delicious exploration.

Vineyard

The 2021 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir is produced from LIVE Certified Sustainable Ponzi Aurora and Avellana Vineyards, as well as sustainably grown vineyards in the Chehalem Mtns, Yamhill-Carlton, Dundee Hills and Eola Hills AVAs.

WINEMAKING

All fruit is sorted then destemmed to 1.5–3 ton fermenters. An extended cold soak increases color and aroma. Fermented by native yeasts, the peak temperatures reach 90°F. The fermenters were aerated or punched down twice a day, then lightly pressed. The wine was aged in French oak for 11 months (20% new). A barrel selection is made for Tavola, then racked and bottled by gravity without fining or filtration. This wine has been bottle aged for 4 months before release.

Vintage

After the smoke filled 2020 vintage, and the “heat dome” events in the summer of 2021, the early rains in September refreshed the vines and the fruit started coming in mid-September perfectly clean, ripe, and full of flavor. Reminiscent of 2012, the nights were very cool creating wines with balanced acidity, big aromatics, and delicious full flavors. Yields were somewhat smaller than expected, but that adds to the intensity of color and structure of the wines.

Tasting Notes

“Fresh red fruits of strawberry, cranberry and pie cherry tinged with notes of rose petal and peppercorn leap from the glass. The mouth has darker notes of cola, blackberry, salty licorice, and vanilla. The finish holds bright acidity framed by soft tannins and a hint of rhubarb jam to perfectly balance this lovely pure expression of Oregon Pinot Noir.” – Winemaker Luisa Ponzi

Food Pairing

Glazed Roast Salmon with Beets and Spring vegetables.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Pinot Noir

Appellation

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Farming

Tavola Pinot Noir is produced from Ponzi’s LIVE Certified Sustainable Avellana Vineyard, as well as other sustainably-grown vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains, Yamhill-Carlton and Eola-Amity Hills AVAs.

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$27

Reviews

Wine Advocate - May 18, 2023 "Pale ruby-purple color and aromas of cranberries, red cherries, orange peel, licorice and baking spice. The light-bodied palate is soft and juicy with crunchy red fruit, generous streaks of allspice and a long, spicy finish. This is easy to drink!"

Wine & Spirits - April 7, 2023 Review2

Wine Enthusiast - April 8, 2023 Review3

Vinous - April 11, 2023 Review4

Trade Materials

Other Wines by this Producer

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