Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2018

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 subregion 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.

Harvest: Sep-Oct 2018
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation: In small lots, with daily punch-downs
Aging: 14 months, 20% new French oak, 10 months in bottle

The weather conditions throughout the growing season remained so ideal that the fruit came into the winery in pristine condition, perfectly and slowly ripened to intense flavor and maturity, all the winemaker needed to do was step aside and allow gorgeous wines to happen. The season began with each milestone hit at the expected time (bud break mid-April, flowering mid-June and fruit set in mid-July). The warm and dry summer had us all believing we were in for another early vintage and ripening due to heat stress, but early September rains allowed the vines a drink and cooler nights slowed down ripening to allow the fruit to be picked when perfectly ready. The white wines are aromatic and fresh with great fruit intensity and the reds are deeply colored with beautiful tannin structure, spicy dark fruits flavors and inherent balance.

“This generous nose is full of cassis, violets, anise and ripe blueberry aromas. Savory notes of rosemary, fir forest and prominent white pepper spice are interlaced throughout. The plush palate holds red and blue fruit, cocoa nibs, molasses and tobacco, honey and salted caramel. The velvety mouth leads to long, fine grained tannins.”

“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