2021 Ponzi Vineyards, Laurelwood, Pinot Noir, $55

Background: After many research trips to Burgundy and an exhaustive search for an ideal vineyard site in Oregon, Dick and Nancy Ponzi purchased 20 acres on a small farm southwest of Portland and, in 1970, founded Ponzi Vineyards.        

Over the years they earned many awards and accolades both for their wines and for their work in promoting the Willamette Valley wine industry. Today the next generation is at the helm with daughter Luisa Ponzi in charge of winemaking. Louisa is recognized nationally as a formidable winemaker in her own right, having combined apprenticeships in Burgundy and Italy, and study at the university in Beaune along with her experience growing up in her family winery. The Ponzi family was instrumental in getting AVA status for the Laurelwood AVA, which was officially approved in 2020.

Wine details: 100% Pinot Noir, aged 14 months in French oak (37% new), plus 12 months in bottle before release. It is a blend of fruit from several vineyards in the Laurelwood AVA, characterized by the unique Laurelwood soil type, found only in the north- and east-facing slopes of the Chehalem Mountains. It consists of 15-million-year-old basalt, with a top layer of loess (windblown silt). The Ponzi Family has been farming here for 50 years.

Flavor Profile: Luisa notes that Pinots from Laurelwood soil tend to reflect blue and black fruit, spice and rustic tannins. This one is very pretty and velvety textured, with aromas and flavors of black cherry and dried herbs, and savory hints of dark chocolate and pepper.

Recommendation: While enjoyable now, it will continue to develop over the next two to three years. You could pair it with matsutake mushroom beef stew, Chinese food, especially Cantonese with some spice, or perhaps with merguez sausage with truffles.

2022 Andrew Rich Wines, Sauvignon Blanc, $26

Background: After studying viticulture and winemaking in Burgundy, Andrew Rich worked five vintages at Bonny Doon Vineyard in California, where he developed a love of Rhône-inspired wines. He relocated to Oregon in 1994 with the original goal of making wines from Rhône grapes in the Willamette Valley. Being in Oregon, and with his Burgundian training, he began producing Pinot Noir as well. He has now produced over 20 vintages in Oregon and, always an innovator, he has branched out to other grapes and styles, always with the intent of making wines of “balance, grace, and sheer deliciousness.” Such as this Sauvignon Blanc.

Wine details: 100% Sauvignon Blanc. Fermented in stainless steel and 228-liter French and 500-liter Austrian oak barrels. Sourced from Croft Vineyard in the new Mt. Pisgah AVA, established in 2022 near Monmouth (although the wine is labeled simply as Willamette Valley). Organically farmed for 30 years. Andrew has worked with Sauv Blanc from Croft since 1999.

Flavor Profile: Clean and fresh, yet aromatic with a nice underlying richness. The citrus flavors typical of the grape are well balanced by the wine’s great texture and minerality. A nice contrast to more grassy, tropical styles.

Recommendation: Enjoy anytime over the next few years, with caramelized leek tart or other rich fare.