Ponzi Vineyards
Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2019
Laurelwood District
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
The Laurelwood Pinot Noir is a blend of Ponzi's Aurora, Avellana, and Madrona Estate Vineyards alongside Gemini, Alloro, Paloma, and Sufi Vineyards, all situated within the Laurelwood District AVA. Each site contributes something distinct: higher elevation and younger vines deliver bright red fruit and floral character, while lower elevation and older vines bring darker fruit and brambly spice, all knit together by fine, chalky tannin. This nested AVA of the Chehalem Mountains spreads across the northern slopes, largely sheltered from coastal rains. The basalt soils retain water in spring and drain slowly and evenly through the growing season, bringing inherent balance to the fruit and measured intensity to the wines.
WINEMAKING
Vinified in small lots with daily punch-downs. The wine is aged for 14 months in French oak, 20% of which is new, followed by 10 months of bottle aging prior to release.
VINTAGE
2019 was a throwback to more classic Oregon vintages and a reminder of why the Willamette Valley was put on the map. A mild summer with just a hint of humidity gave way to a dry September, followed by a familiar dance between clear skies and rain through October. Fruit was harvested in waves between weather windows, retaining beautiful acidity and freshness. The resulting wines are elegant, low in alcohol, and a pure expression of what the valley achieves in a cooler year.
TASTING NOTE
Perfumed on the nose, with black pepper, nutmeg, and mesquite alongside lavender, dried rose petal, and ripe blueberry, raspberry, and blackberry. The palate follows with spice, maple, black cherry, and dried sage, finishing long with dusty tannins.
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
14%
Suggested Retail Price
$46
Reviews
Wine Advocate - May 18, 2023
James Suckling - June 6, 2022
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
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.
