One of the historic Oregon wineries, Ponzi Vineyards has a great story that began back in 1960. During that time Dick and Nancy Ponzi moved their young family to the Willamette Valley to focus on making great Pinot Noir. They ended up purchasing 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. While this was quite the risk, they both new that the Willamette Valley's climate would be perfect for Burgundian varieties. Pinot noir cuttings were planted, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded.
Today Ponzi Vineyards is led by the Ponzi family's second generation: President and Director of Sales and Marketing, Anna Maria Ponzi and Winemaker Luisa Ponzi. Ponzi now has 130 acres of family-owned vineyards — all of which are LIVE Certified Sustainable, the world's highest standard for sustainable viticulture and enology. The new wines by Ponzi were beautiful across the board. I loved the new 2015 Ponzi Vineyards ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine (WWB, 90) which is refreshing and shows a good astringency with delicate red fruits. Ponzi has gained a sterling reputation for their Chardonnay wines and their latest release, the 2016 Ponzi Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay (WWB, 92) is a spectacular effort that has a gorgeous texture and wonderful length. Learn more about these great wines at https://www.ponzivineyards.com Here are the beautiful new wines from Ponzi Vineyards.
2015 Ponzi Vineyards ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Intense raspberry and teaberry aromas with citrus rind accents fill in the nose. The texture is soft as lighter red fruits dance with melon and orange rind and damp earth tones in this pretty sparkling wine. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2018 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Blanc- Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA, the 2018 Pinot Blanc delivers bright lemon zest and cantaloupe tones with suggestions of lychee that all build in the glass. The soft texture is gorgeous as baking spices and Pink Lady apple flavors mingle with the mineral and earthy tones. This is really good for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2018 Ponzi Vineyards Arneis- The 2018 Arneis by Ponzi Vineyards shows lithe citrus and melon flavors that mingle with minerals and shades of peat moss. Complex and generous, with a soft mouthfeel, this is absolutely singing in its youth and will provide drinking enjoyment over the next five years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2016 Ponzi Vineyards ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay- Rich and elegant, the 2016 ‘Reserve’ Chardonnay opens with vanilla cream and orchard fruits that mingle with the melon and wet stone tones on this expressive nose. The palate has great weight and freshness with a long and lingering cream and mineral-driven finish. Fantastic now, this will continue to evolve well for a decade. Drink 2020-2029- 92