The new tasting room at Ponzi Vineyards
Are you looking to fill your glass with a sophisticated wine that is big on flavor and short on pretension? Then I submit Ponzi Vineyards 2010 Pinot Noir ($35) for your consideration. Founded in 1970 in the renowned Willamette Valley, Ponzi is female owned and one of the oldest wineries in Oregon.
Personally, I'm often underwhelmed or outright disappointed with Pinot Noir but Ponzi left me smiling and wanting to sip more - 2nd generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi does right by this tricky grape. A blend of LIVE sustainable fruit from several of Ponzi's vineyards, the 2010 Pinot Noir has beautiful bright notes of cherry, plum, and licorice with a mellow earthiness imparted by the 11 months it spent in French oak barrels. I sipped mine with a lunch of grilled lamb but this wine is very versatile and doesn't overpower food. And, forget what you've heard about red wine not pairing well with seafood - Ponzi Pinot Noir would be a great match. This light red wine is also ideal for those warm summer days when you are craving a red that isn't too heavy.
2nd generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi
If you're planning a wine trip to Oregon, Ponzi is not far from Portland and they will open a new modern tasting room in Sherwood on June 15th. Guests can enjoy the sensational
views year-round on a
wrap-around heated terrace and an amphitheater is the perfect setting for a
vineyard-side picnic or game of Bocce ball during the summer months.
For more information, visit the Ponzi Vineyards website.
