View photos

Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022

Laurelwood District

Trade Tools

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 selection of fruit from the Laurelwood District AVA, predominately made up of Ponzi’s estate vineyards Avellana, Aurora, and Linda Vista with an average vine age of 30 years. A variety of clones are planted to enhance complexity. All L.I.V.E. Certified Sustainable and grown in Laurelwood soil; a thin layer of wind blown loess on top of volcanic basalt bedrock. 

WINEMAKING

Vinified in small lots with daily punch-downs. The wine is aged for 10 months in French oak, 30% of which is new, followed by 12 months of bottle aging prior to release.

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 nose is warm raspberry jam and chilies balanced by flinty notes that open to rose petals, magnolia, and cloves. The mouth holds long, dark tannins of cola, star anise, cardamom, and juniper. Finishing with an explosion of blue fruit. 

FOOD PAIRING

Seared duck breast and cranberry coulis, creamy risotto with porcini mushrooms, or a beet and lentil salad with tarragon vinaigrette

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Pinot Noir

Appellation

Laurelwood District

Alcohol

13.8%

Suggested Retail Price

$45

Reviews

94

Decanter - August 1, 2024 "The savoury and earth-driven elements buoy the dark fruits that predominate on the wine's finish. Rich soil notes and dried violets introduce the effusively aromatic wine, with hints of smoky clove and freshly turned soil. The palate offers redolent muddled blackberries with mint, whisps of graphite mineral tones and a finish of warm spices."

94

James Suckling - March 14, 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."

94

International Wine Report -

93

Wine Spectator - October 31, 2024 "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."

More on Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022

View all

Trade Materials

View all

Ponzi Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022 Tech Sheet

Ponzi vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2022 Shelf Talker

Other Wines by this Producer

View all

Laurelwood Chardonnay

Laurelwood District, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Situated along the Northern ridge of the Chehalem Mountains, the Laurelwood District boasts ancient soils of fractured basalt layered over with a fine, windblown sediment called loess. A decade-long effort by the Ponzis, alongside their neighbors, has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District.

Pinot Noir Reserve

Chehalem Mountains, Willamette Valley

Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve is the epitome of restrained power. It hails from estate grown fruit on Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem Mountains, including from some of Oregon’s oldest vines. This remarkably complex wine is handcrafted with tremendous attention to detail.

Tavola Pinot Noir

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Tavola is Ponzi's delicious early release Pinot Noir, a fruit-forward wine with soft tannins, made primarily from younger, lower elevations vines. Meant for early consumption, it is an unbeatable value for quality Pinot Noir.

Pinot Gris

Willamette Valley

One of the original and most recognized Oregon and U.S. Pinot Gris producers, Ponzi was a major influence in establishing Pinot Gris as the first quality white grape variety in Oregon. Ponzi's Pinot Gris is an irresistably aromatic and expressive wine, and serves as a first encounter for many wine drinkers with Oregon wines and the Ponzi estate.