Oregon Wine Concierge - 3-17-11

You asked for it… here are a few more stellar Oregon 2008 Pinot Noirs to tempt you (and an incredible ‘09 bargain!)

2008 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve
Last call – just a handful of cases left!
This is the rarest Pinot Noir in our portfolio every year. A product of the highly anticipated 2008 vintage, it is remarkably lush & creamy with loads of spice layered into the mix. Our Abetina Vineyard always makes up the backbone of this wine, lending an amazing array of complexity. Planted in 1975 on a tiny two acre block, it’s planted to 20 clones of Pinot Noir; this was one of a few clonal test sites commissioned by Oregon State University in the early days of the industry. As the story goes, the university contacted Dick Ponzi as he was already farming in the area that they intended to plant this vineyard. He agreed to put the vines in the ground and needless to say, they thrived! In the early 80’s, the Ponzi family was presented with an opportunity to purchase the Abetina Vineyard. Ever since, it’s been a treasured vineyard in our portfolio. It is what makes this wine so spectacular year in, year out!
$60/Btl or $648/Case, includes a 10% discount

2008 Evening Land Parr Selection Pinot Noir (exclusive to the Ponzi Wine Bar)
One of Burgundies most infamous winemakers, Dominique Lafon, created quite a stir when he branched out and agreed to consult for wines made from Oregon’s renowned Seven Springs Vineyard under the label, Evening Land Vineyards. In fact, ELV also approached Dominique to help out with projects in California and his response was something to the effect of, “I only have interest in making wine in one other place other than Burgundy; OREGON!” How cool is that!!?
This bottling, the Parr Selection Pinot Noir, was crafted by resident winemaker Isabelle Meunier for a prestigious restaurant group based in California (Michael Mina Group). Their wine director, Rajat Parr, selected lots that he found particularly interesting, suggested a higher percentage of whole clusters used in the fermentation and then let Isabelle do her thing. Outside of one of their restaurants, this is a bottle that you won’t see anywhere else!
$45/Btl or $486/Case, includes a 10% discount

2008 Colene Clemens Reserve Pinot Noir
Colene Clemens has exploded on the Oregon wine scene in the past couple of years virtually from nowhere! Winemaker & vineyard manager Steve Goff hails from none other than Beaux Frères, famous for their meticulous and unyielding standards. Steve gives the vineyard everything it needs to produce optimal fruit, not an easy task being that the vineyard is still very young (blocks planted in 2006 & 2007). What they’ve been able to bring to bottle with their inaugural release, 2008, is nothing short of a revelation. It speaks to Steven’s (and the owners) commitment to produce the best, whatever the cost. Bravo!
$42/Btl or $453.60/Case, includes a 10% discount

2009 Haden Fig Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
SUCH A STEAL! As we all know, good Pinot Noir is not cheap to grow or make. That’s why it’s so darn satisfying to find a new label that’s worth every penny of the asking price. Truth be told, this is an absolute bargain for the juice that is in the bottle. Owner/winemaker Erin Nuccio was the assistant winemaker to Russ Raney at Evesham Wood for years before Russ sold the winery to him. A few things about this wine (his personal label) strikes me as lessons well learned from Russ. Number one, the amazing light touch with extraction without giving up any gumption in the wine. Following that is mouth-watering, soul tingling acidity that perfectly offsets the intensity of the fruit. Lastly, did I mention the price?! We’re always proud to support a young winemaker make a splash with quality wine.
$20/Btl or $216/Case, includes a 10% discount

Feel free to mix and match a case and still get the case discount. Visit our website for other exciting Oregon wines! http://www.ponziwinebar.com