The Ponzi family traditionally releases this Pinot Noir about 12 months after it was harvested, and Tavola — pronounced TAH-vuh-lah — become one of the Willamette Valley’s most approachable and consistent wines year after year. Second-generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi pulls from three of the family’s certified sustainable vineyards, Aurora, Avellana and Madrona, and uses a program of 20% new French oak to place the focus on the fruit. The nose offers strawberry/rhubarb compote, boysenberry and cola with a dusting of baking spices and a pinch of fresh mint. On the palate, it’s rich and graceful leading with flavors of dark strawberry and cherries. Elegant tannins and plum juice on the midpoint as cranberry and cocoa powder combine for pleasing length.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 12,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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