2019 Ponzi Reserve Pinot Noir

The Wine Advocate has rated – and raved over – this great Pinot in vintages all the way back to the 1970s, but this 2019 earned their top rating ever.

As our supplier says:

As one of the major wine publications once wrote, “All Oregon Pinot Noirs are measured against the Ponzi yardstick”. That has been true for over 50 years, while the Ponzi family has farmed 140 acres of certified sustainable vineyards all planted on Laurelwood soils. During their tenure, the Ponzis have observed the unique characteristics as their vines penetrated the earth and evolved. Bright red fruit character in their youth gave way to dark berry and brambly spice as the vines reached into the volcanic layers. The character of this soil has defined the Ponzis’ wines and served as a guide for generations of winemakers in the Willamette Valley. The Pinot Noir Reserve’s brooding dark fruit and exotic spice has rendered it one of the ultimate examples of artisanal, site-expressive Pinot Noir in the United States today, year after year epitomizing a character of restrained power.

Another thing Robert Parker said when raving over the 1980 vintage that remains true today:

Prices charged for the Ponzi wines are extremely modest given the quality.

Dunnuck rates this not only the top Ponzi Reserve but top Ponzi Pinot ever (over their $110 Avellina):

Coming from deeper basalt soils, brilliant aromas emerge from the 2019 Pinot Noir Reserve, which offers up notes of red cherry liqueur, crushed roses, and well-balanced oak spices. Medium to full-bodied, it captures wonderful freshness, with ripe tannins, a focused, more linear mouthfeel, and a spicy, fresh finish. It’s a touch more austere compared to the other Pinots from Ponzi, but I enjoy its more angular feel already. It’s an age-worthy wine that needs time to open up over the coming 10 years.

And Suckling:

Blackberry, dried strawberry and spice. Some flint and asphalt and even graphite. Full-bodied and layered with dark fruit and a fine and firm tannin structure that goes very long. Sustainable. Best after 2024.

And the brilliant Luisa Ponzi:

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."
An Oregon Pinot that’s both historic and epic.