Luisa Ponzi produces as many as 10 examples of Pinot Noir, including a stunning rosé, but it is her Tavola that’s become the ambassador for arguably the most important family in the Oregon craft beverage industry. Their certified-sustainable Avellana Vineyard, a young site planted “clonal massale” on the north slope of the Chehalem Mountains, provides the foundation for this eminently approachable Pinot Noir. Darker tones of black currant, black cherry and plum are joined by wet stone. Those same fruits and less than a year in barrel make this a quaffer that’s framed by plum-skin tannins and lingering blood orange acidity. Tavola is an Italian reference to the dining table, and suggested pairings include roasted herbed chicken, pork roast with fennel and garlic or a savory mushroom dish.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 15,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.7%
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