Ponzi Vineyards 2016 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, $19
Next year will signal the 40th anniversary of the Ponzi family’s plantings of Pinot Gris, and these pioneers remain very much at the forefront of Oregon’s work with this white grape from Burgundy. Second-generation winemaker Luisa Ponzi likens the 2016 vintage to that of 2006, and this is a gorgeous snapshot of last year. Tropical aromas hinting at banana chips and jasmine include honeydew melon and grapefruit. Deliciously tingly flavors include white peach and lime juice, backed by orange zest and nectarine skin. The scale of production and national distribution make this widely available, and food pairing suggestions include co-founder Nancy Ponzi’s recipe for Paté with Pinot Gris, Shallots and Thyme.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 15,000 cases
Alcohol: 13.2%
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