Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve
2019, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve
Pinot Noir
Ponzi Vineyards
About the Wine
This is the ‘Throwback Vintage,’ reminiscent of classic Oregon vintages and the inspiration for our founders, Dick and Nancy, to move to the Willamette Valley over 50 years ago. The grapes were picked gradually, maintaining beautiful acidity and freshness. The pace was relaxed, providing time to appreciate our global crew and the autumn season. Vintage concluded in late October, revealing elegant, low-alcohol wines that fully showcase the Willamette Valley’s potential in a cooler climate. In this vintage, winemakers drew on past harvests and applied valuable lessons, highlighting the significance of the experience. This wine was aged in French oak barrels (40% new) for 20 months. It was racked and bottled by gravity without filtration or fining and was aged in bottle for five months before its release.
Tasting Notes
This nose explodes with spiced chocolate, cayenne, sweet paprika, and cracked black pepper mingled with anise, hazelnut, and pomegranate syrup. The mouth is broad and expansive with notes of clove, nutmeg, German chocolate cake, and vanilla. The soft, plush tannins linger with a touch of cinnamon.
Pairing Recommendation
The wine pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, mushroom dishes, roast chicken, duck with berry sauce, and pork tenderloin with fruit-based sauces. It also complements herb-crusted lamb, soft and aged cheeses, vegetarian dishes like beet salad or lentil stew, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and game birds with fruit glazes. The wine’s acidity and red fruit flavors enhance the richness and complexity of these dishes.