Ponzi

Established in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards was a pioneer in showcasing the excellence of the Willamette Valley which is a now very considered a world-class wine region. Founders Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved to the Willamette Valley in the late 1960s with a dream to produce world-class, cool climate-grown Pinot Noir. The first vines were planted in 1968, when there were only a small number of other wineries in the region, forever solidifying their place as Oregon wine innovators. The pioneering spirit of Ponzi Vineyards lives on through their continued intention of producing the purest expressions of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in the renown Laurelwood District AVA. Guided by a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques they prefer minimal intervention, as this allows the unique terroir to shine through, creating distinctive wine that reflect the region. Ponzi Vineyards sustainably farms nearly 150 acres, all but 10 are found within the boundaries of the Laurelwood District AVA in the beautiful rolling hills of the Chehalem Mountains. They proudly hold the prestigious LIVE Certified Sustainable designation, recognized globally as one of the highest standards for sustainable viticulture and enology. Ponzi was acquired by the venerated Champagne producer Bollinger in 2021, generating new energy and opportunity.

Pale ruby in colour with aromas of cranberry, orange peel, black cherry and raspberry jam with a hint of flinty notes and some sweet and spicy cinnamon. On the palate a subtle backdrop of forest floor coupled with white pepper, rose petals and cardamon to balance the fruit. Velvety texture with honeyed notes, the dusty tannins work well with the fruity bouquet. Medium-bodied with very intense concentrated fruit, and plenty of refreshing acidity. An explosion of blueberry and blackcurrant is tasted before a long, spicy finish.

Drink with a seared duck breast with cranberry sauce or a lentil and tarragon salad

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 Ponzi's, alongside their neighbours has resulted in the recognition of Oregon’s first soil-based AVA, the Laurelwood District. The Laurelwood District 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 LIVE Certified Sustainable. 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. Fermented in small lots with daily punch-downs. Aged for 14 months in new French oak. Followed by 12 months ageing in bottle