View photos

Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2023

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.

WINEMAKING

Fermented in small lots, daily punch-downs

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 the fruit to ripen perfectly.

TASTING NOTE

A complex nose of honeysuckle, mandarin, white peach, mango, lemongrass and ginger leads into a full palate, reminiscent of a light meringue and shortbread, all framed by a lively acidity and fresh finish.

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Pinot Noir

Appellation

Laurelwood District

Certifications

SUSTAINABLE

Farming

LIVE Certified Sustainable

Alcohol

13.3%

Suggested Retail Price

$48

Reviews

94

James Suckling - March 11, 2025 "Deep, dark fruit and moody, spicy, savory accents on a bold, fine-grained tannic texture backed by great acidity. It is structured, concentrated, layered and intense. It becomes broader and richer with each sip and lingers in the finish, echoing black cherries and star anise."

93

Wine Advocate - November 6, 2025 "Matured for 10 months in 30% new French oak, the 2023 Pinot Noir Laurelwood District has nuanced aromas of red and black cherries, licorice, saline, holiday spice and earth. The medium-bodied palate boasts expansive, fragrant flavors. It has an elegant frame of velvety tannins and bright acidity and a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents."

93

Decanter - March 10, 2025 "Dusty blue fruits and sweet violets leap from the glass from the Ponzi Laurelwood District bottling. The palate is lush, sweet blueberries and savoury dried herbs and black tea frame juicy Oregon blackberries. It finishes fresh with a note of mineral brightness."

92

Wine Spectator - October 13, 2025 "Vibrant and fresh, with lively flavors of pomegranate and cherry accented with green tea tones that speed toward snappy tannins."

Trade Materials

View all

Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir Bottle Shot

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.