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Ponzi Vineyards

Laurelwood Pinot Noir Reserve 2019

Willamette Valley

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Ponzi’s Pinot Noir Reserve comes exclusively from estate fruit, including from some of Oregon’s oldest vines. As Wine Spectator 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. During their tenure, the Ponzis have observed the unique characteristics as their vines penetrated the earth and evolved. Bright red fruit character in their youth gave way to dark berry and brambly spice as the vines reached 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. The Pinot Noir Reserve’s brooding dark fruit and exotic spice has rendered it one of the ultimate examples of artisanal, site-expressive Pinot Noir in the United States today, year after year epitomizing a character of restrained power.

VINEYARD

Fruit for the Pinot Noir Reserve is sourced entirely from Ponzi Estate vineyards on Laurelwood soils, a true barrel select blended from top barrels across the Aurora, Abetina, Madrona, and Avellana Vineyards. 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. The Laurelwood District spreads across the northern slopes of the Chehalem Mountains, 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

The Pinot Noir Reserve is vinified in small lots with daily punch-downs and 40% whole cluster inclusion. The wine is aged for 20 months in French oak, 40% of which is new, before an additional 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 clove, anise, and cinnamon over lilac, lavender, and cherrywood. Focused and structured on the palate, with long tannins laced with chocolate, sweet Bing cherry, dried fig, and black tea.

FOOD PAIRING

Seared pork belly with hoisin sauce, blackened salmon, or wild rice and roasted mushrooms

Color

Red

Blend %

100% Pinot Noir

Appellation

Willamette Valley

Alcohol

14%

Suggested Retail Price

$80.99

Reviews

95

Wine Advocate - May 18, 2023

95

James Suckling - April 22, 2022

95

Jeb Dunnuck - September 19, 2023

93

Wine Spectator - November 1, 2023

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Oregon Pinot Noir: Staying True to the Pinot Ideal

September 22, 2023 - The World of Fine Wine published its spring issue, including an Oregon Pinot Noir report with rave reviews for Ponzi Vineyards! Most notably, the 2021 Ponzi Vineyards Laurelwood Pinot Noir…

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Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve 2019 Tech Sheet

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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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