Ponzi Vineyards
Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2021
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, 37% of which is new, followed by 10 months of bottle aging prior to 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 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
13.4%
Suggested Retail Price
$48
Reviews
Wine Advocate - May 18, 2023
James Suckling - March 29, 2023
Jeb Dunnuck - September 19, 2023
More on Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir 2021
Oregon Gains Two Wine Appellations
June 25, 2020 - Wine Spectator reports that Oregon has gained two new wine appellations: Laurelwood District and Tualatin Hills. Both AVAs are located in the northwest corner of the Willamette Valley, with Laurelwood…
Tualatin Hills And The Laurelwood District Are Oregon’s Newest American Viticultural Areas
June 12, 2020 - Forbes Magazine reports on Oregon's newest AVAs, Tualtin Hills and The Laurelwood District, which both contain the highest concentrations of Laurelwood soils in Oregon. This soil, which is essentially windblown…
The Best Pinot Noirs Willamette Valley Has to Offer
July 17, 2020 - Forbes Magazine highlights Ponzi Vineyards as one of the top Pinot Noir producers of Oregon's Willamette Valley. Contributor Michelle Williams spent the past year researching the valley's top producers to…
Ponzi Vineyards Celebrates 50 Years of Innovative Winemaking in Oregon
June 16, 2020 - Anna Maria Ponzi, second generation vintner for Ponzi Vineyards, chatted with blogger Wine with Wanda about Ponzi's 50th anniversary in her latest Instagram Live Session. The two cover a lot:…
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Laurelwood Chardonnay
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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.
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