Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Laurelwood 2018

Today, Ponzi is excelling more than ever with Dick & Nancy’s daughter, Luisa at the helm. Famous wine writer, Hugh Johnson (Pocket Wine) mixed no words about Ponzi when he declared them, “a legendary producer now in 2nd generation making excellent wines.” With their superstar daughter, critics have never been kinder. Wine Enthusiast’s Paul Gregutt said of the 2nd generation superstar, “Luisa Ponzi… one of the brightest stars among the new generation in Oregon.” And of course the king himself, Robert Parker, Jr. couldn’t help to weigh in: “Ponzi Vineyards remains a reference point for American Pinot Noir with winemaker Luisa Ponzi at the top of her game.”

Since taking over from her pioneer parents, Luisa has racked up triple digit 90+ scores. So it’s no surprise that her 2nd ever bottling under the recently approved Laurelwood AVA label outpoints her double 93-point inaugural bottling, an absolute dazzler in the 2018 vintage that gave Oregon winemakers perfect conditions throughout the late summer into harvest.

From a northern ridge of Chehalem Mountains, this Pinot Noir shines with inviting notes of raspberry, wild strawberry and dried herbs. It’s a vibrant, supple wine that even boasts a little spice – a wonderful differentiator here. With 14 months in 20% new Oak, this wine comes out super refined and will continue to drink beautifully for the next decade plus.