Ponzi Blog
The 2015 Ponzi Avellana Chardonnay Wins 95 Points
We are proud to announce the 2015 Ponzi Avellana Chardonnay has been awarded 95 points by The Tasting Panel. This single-vineyard vintage expresses the very best qualities of Ponzi Vineyards' Avellana vineyard, nurtured to perfection under Winemaker Luisa Ponzi's skill and experience. After more than two decades of dedicated study—including time spent with Chardonnay master Dominique Lafon of Domaine des Comtes Lafon in Burgundy—Luisa has obtained an understanding of Chardonnay that enables Ponzi Vineyards to be one of the few producers creating a style that is uniquely Oregon.
Ponzi Vineyards is proud to be leading the way in setting a high standard for Oregon Chardonnay under Luisa's direction.
Ponzi Vineyards will be a presence at this year's Oregon Chardonnay Celebration on February 25th. Please come by to show your support!
The 2015 Ponzi Avellana Chardonnay will be available for purchase very soon. In the meantime, pick up a bottle of the 2014 Ponzi Avellana Chardonnay before it's gone.
Feb 12, 2018 at 2:12 PM
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Introducing the 2016 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir
Spring 2016 was warm in Oregon and the flowers came early. Summer rolled smoothly across the Chehalem Mountains of the Northern Willamette Valley, with beautiful, moderate temperatures all season long. These pleasant days stretched into a mellow, easy autumn. The result: an early harvest of perfect fruit bursting with intense flavor.
We are delighted to present the 2016 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir. Masterfully crafted by winemaker Luisa Ponzi, the unique, high-quality grapes of the 2016 season produced a complex, well-balance wine. Fruit, acidity, and tannin are present in fine equilibrium. Small berry size resulted in rich aromatics and concentrated flavors. Enjoy this lush, sophisticated Pinot noir today, or put bottles away to age gracefully—we expect greatness from this vintage.
This presumptuous nose of brambly blackberry notes, cinnamon stick, graham cracker and lavender is as intriguing as the palate which gives salted caramel, black tea and strawberry balsamic notes. The generous fruit provides a silky middle and soft finish with lingering spicy tannins. –Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
Tavola is Italian for “table” and we encourage you to enjoy the 2016 Ponzi Tavola Pinot Noir with friends and family. Perfect for gatherings both cozy and large, this wine is a key component in any hospitality toolkit. Serve in Riedel glassware created specifically for Oregon Pinot noirs to add that special touch. We are so pleased to offer this exceptional Pinot noir to you at an affordable price. Cheers!
Alcohol: 13.8%
Bouquet: blackberry, cinnamon, graham cracker, lavender
Flavors: salted caramel, black tea, strawberry balsamic
Pair with: poached salmon, braised duck, grilled vegetables, goat cheese, chocolate cake, fruit
Purchase Your Bottle Here
Ponzi Vineyards has been creating world-class wines for nearly 50 years. Located just 15 miles southwest of Portland, Oregon, Ponzi Vineyards is a second-generation winery run by sisters Luisa and Maria Ponzi.
Tips for Flawless Wine Service
First Pinot Noir Pressing of the 2017 Season
Oregon’s Willamette Valley: Home of Great Pinot Noir at Any Price
Jan 8, 2018 at 1:27 PM
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Sparkling Brut Rosé Arrives for a Limited Time!
As a thank you for continuing to enjoy Ponzi wines, we want you to be the first to know the 2014 Ponzi Sparkling Brut Rosé has been bottled and 10 cases are being made available to our favorite people. When it’s gone, it’s gone− until it’s official release in April.
We can’t wait for you to pop the cork on this limited production, 70% Pinot noir, 30% Chardonnay sparkling brut rosé.
Cheers and Happy New Year!
Dec 26, 2017 at 3:21 PM
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Aging Gracefully
Enjoying aged wines is an extraordinary experience.
Ponzi Single Vineyard and Reserve Pinot Noirs are a treat to revisit year after year. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi crafts these cuvées to age and selects fruit from Ponzi’s oldest and finest vineyards, which ripen later and hold their acidity better than younger sites. Over a decade’s time, she finds flavors and aromas of cherry, plum and blueberry turn to currant, cedar and anise; then later to forest floor, savory notes and offer a silky texture.
Did you know Ponzi Chardonnays can also age quite elegantly? The structure and acidity allow these cuvées to evolve into richer more complex wines over time. Notes of pear, apple and jasmine transition to flavors and aromas of apricot, hazelnut, pie spice and brûlée.
Take a peek inside our library to see what's tasting great right now...
Nov 30, 2017 at 2:22 PM
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Wines Northwest Features the 2016 Ponzi Pinot Blanc for Thanksgiving
Wines Northwest's Chuck Hill is excited about the upcoming holiday for the wine and food pairings it brings, "Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to try wine pairings with a wide variety of foods," says Chuck. Among his favorite current release wines for your table, he featured the 2016 Ponzi Pinot Blanc.
Of the wine, he says, "This oft-overlooked variety is a perfect wine for the Thanksgiving table. It has some of the bracing qualities of Sauvignon Blanc with the corners rounded off like a Pinot Gris. Floral aromas of honeysuckle and gardenia mingle with peach and vanilla, leading to rich flavors of melon, tropical fruits and citrus on the palate."
We couldn't agree more! The Ponzi family often greets their guests with Pinot blanc and find it the perfect wine to start an evening.
Read the full list of Thanksgiving pairings from Wines Northwest!
Nov 8, 2017 at 12:20 PM
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Chardonnay- The Ideal Wine for Autumn Meal Pairing
When second generation Winemaker Luisa Ponzi returned to the family winery after her studies in Beaune, France, she brought with her a passion for White Burgundy. When it comes to Oregon Chardonnay, the Willamette Valley offers the ideal climate for this noble varietal to thrive. Ponzi Chardonnays are known for being balanced, boasting beautiful fruit notes and a light touch of oak, making them truly versatile food wines.
Chardonnay's structured yet supple nature, acid and combination of fruit and minerality, can help to bring out flavors in a variety of dishes. Where a bold red may overshadow the sweet and savory subtleties of turkey and stuffing, a finely-balanced Chardonnay will complement and even enhance these dishes. Give it a try!
Our recommendations for effortless fall food pairing:
2014 PONZI AURORA CHARDONNAY - Highly rated from Wine & Spirits Magazine, this Chardonnay was named a Year's Best Chardonnay with a score of 94.
"Lemon balm, straw and white pepper frame this elegant nose, the palate holds true with dried quince, baked apple interlaced with balanced acidity and a touch of minerality."
– Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
2014 PONZI AVELLANA CHARDONNAY - This single vineyard wine scored a 92 from Wine Enthusiast.
"The silky palate of ripe apricot and gooseberry leads to perfect length on the palate framed by fresh acidity."
– Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
2014 PONZI CHARDONNAY RESERVE - This Chardonnay also earned kudos from Wine Enthusiast, scoring 93 points.
"An effusive nose of orange zest, jasmine, figs, flan, quince and maple. A silky textured mouth is laced with white chocolate, flan and a vein of acidity that radiates through the finish."
– Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
2015 PONZI CHARDONNAY - While this Chardonnay is unoaked, it makes for a stunning complement to richer, buttery dishes. Earning an a score of 91 points and Editor's Choice from Wine Enthusiast, this wine is "beautifully balanced," combining a "thread of citrus with a mineral flint note that finishes with bright acidity and a touch of sweetness."
– Winemaker Luisa Ponzi
While you're falling in love with Ponzi Chardonnay, don't forget to order some Pinot noir too!
Nov 7, 2017 at 10:19 AM
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Ponzi Riesling Featured in Imbibe's Taste Test
Riesling is having its day in the sun. Imbibe Magazine featured a small group of Northwest produced Rieslings as "Ideal for the holiday table." With bracing acidity, sometimes a balancing touch of residual sugar and food friendly minerality, Riesling deserves a place at the holiday table. Says Imbibe Associate Editor Penelope Bass, "it’s one of the most food-friendly wines, making it perfect for the holidays." We couldn't agree more!
Imbibe describes the 2015 Ponzi Riesling as "bone-dry and delightfully crisp, with notes of melon, almond and an almost saké-like character."
Nov 2, 2017 at 2:13 PM
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New Release - 2016 Ponzi Vino Gelato
The newest vintage of Ponzi's Vino Gelato is available in the Tasting Room. Winemaker Luisa Ponzi describes the unique desert wine as having, "high toned notes of clementine, dried mango, sultanas and vanilla poached pears, intermingled with hints of juniper berry, clove and amaretto. The palate is lavender honey and guava, finishing with an orange zest and tamarind brightness." Stop by to pick up a bottle or order online.
Oct 6, 2017 at 3:29 PM
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2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris Scores 91 from Wine Enthusiast
Scoring a 91 from Wine Enthusiast, the newly released 2016 Ponzi Pinot Gris has a textured palate laced with ginger spice, white pepper and peach. Yum!
Sep 25, 2017 at 12:09 PM
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2014 Ponzi Avellana Pinot Noir is a top scoring wine from Oregon with 95 points from Wine Advocate
Ponzi is proud that the 2014 Ponzi Avellana Pinot Noir is a top scoring wine from Oregon with 95 points from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
Here's how the wine was described: “Medium-bodied, laced with firm, finely-grained tannins, it delivers intense red berry and earthy layers in the mouth with some exotic spices coming through, finishing long and refreshing....” Read more>>
Sep 11, 2017 at 4:28 PM
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