What a delight! This "Classico" bottling is a blend of Pinot Noir from no less than twelve vineyards spread across 4 different sub-appellations of Willamette Valley, and includes as many as 27 different clones in the cuvee. The result is a luminous example of the possibilities when placed in the hands of an artful blender like Luisa Ponzi. A layered, complex nose includes cherry, wild berry, oak spice, mild live herbs, dry earth and a bit of root beer, and everything comes through on the palate, with nicely balanced acidity and a long, beautifully integrated finish. Easily the best I’ve tasted from Ponzi. Brava!
Ponzi, Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir 2014
By Rich Cook