Six Wines: You’ll Wonder Why They’re $35 and Under

As always, feel free to mix and match a case to get our discount!

2011 Ponzi Pinot Gris
$17/bottle or $183.60/case with 10% discount

When Dick and Nancy Ponzi began planting Pinot Gris in 1978, the varietal was virtually unknown in the United States. Oregon itself was a mystery to most Americans; Nancy jokes that the first step in marketing the wine nationally was pointing to Oregon on a map.

Luisa Ponzi works carefully to highlight the inherent beauty in these prized old vines, favoring long, cool fermentation in stainless steel. Quince, magnolia, nutmeg, pear, vanilla and green apple are just a few of the layered aromatics in the nose. The palate follows with key lime pie, white peach, honey and minerality within a brilliant frame of acidity.

2010 Evesham Wood La Grive Bleue Pinot Noir
$28/bottle or $302.40/case with 10% discount

As a charter member of the Deep Roots Coalition, Evesham Wood is committed to non-irrigated vines on its 12-acre Le Puit Sec vineyard in the Willamette Valley’s Eola-Amity area. Le Grive Bleue is sourced from the “youngest” vines, an organically farmed block now 15 years old. Dry farming is not only a nod to Mother Earth; it also deeply affects the wine.

In return for kindness toward the ancient volcanic sedimentary soil and land above it, the wine rewards us with juicy plum and subtle hints of wet slate. Evesham Wood wines straddle the line between fullness and restraint, elegantly showcasing outstanding fruit without too much density.

2009 Harper Voit Strandline Pinot Noir
$35/bottle or $378/case with 10% discount

This inaugural release combines world-class talent with a couple superb but little known vineyards. Drew Voit has worked alongside some of the Willamette Valley’s most acclaimed vintners for more than a decade, including serving as assistant winemaker at Domaine Serene and currently as winemaker at the renowned Shea Wine Cellars. So the guy knows his grapes! In Harper Voit, Drew plays with vines he considers hidden gems along the ancient “strandline.”

“Strandline” refers to the high water mark of the receded inland sea that dominated the Willamette Valley thousands of years ago. Most of the fruit in this bottle came from Old School vineyard in Junction City, Oregon, which has rare Bellpine soil. Meticulous vineyard manager Stephen Hagen uses “old school” hand labor strategies, and this parcel is a source for a few informed producers although it remains a well kept secret.

2008 J. Albin Laurel Vineyard Pinot Noir
$32/bottle or $345.60/case with 10% discount

The 2008 vintage is easily ranked among the best of the last decade, and this wine shows a perfect balance of bright, luscious red fruit, and lively aromatics that match the lingering finish. You may have noticed we have a thing for below the radar, undiscovered wines and here’s a great example.

John Albin has served as winemaker for King Estate and Columbia Winery, two fairly mainstream efforts aimed at pleasing diverse crowds. His personal label, on the other hand, shoots for the moon. Crafted from the original 1981 planting of Pommard clones at his estate vineyard, the wine shows depth and complexity usually reserved for more luxuriously priced bottles.

2010 Purple Hands Pinot Noir
$32/bottle or $345.60/case with 10% discount

Sourced exclusively from the prized Stoller vineyard, this one is full of sassafras root, blackberry jam, and hints of baking spice. Second generation winemaker Cody Wright (hmmm, “Wright,” where have we heard that name before…?) goes easy on the oak, but any new barrels used are chosen carefully.

When he came to pour this bottle for us a couple weeks ago, he compared his barrel picking strategy to the 1960s cartoon Secret Squirrel. Cody selects French oak barrels from coopers with unique, nuanced character, as opposed to those intended for powerful impact on the wine. Wine geeks will also appreciate knowing these are “medium plus toast” barrels.

2008 Westrey Reserve Pinot Noir

$32/bottle or $345.60/case with 10% discount

Husband/Wife winemaking duo David Autrey and Amy Wesselman have both studied with some of Oregon and Burgundy’s most talented vintners, focusing on apprenticeship as opposed to classroom instruction. Their reserve bottling demonstrates the nexus of a perfect vintage with beautiful vineyards and “detailed to the point of obsession” winemaking. The story behind Oracle vineyard, in particular, is awe inspiring!

In 2000, David and Amy set out to plant vines at their new acquired property atop the Dundee Hills. As they began this process, they noticed bushes growing in rows along the main area to be planted. Low and behold, an original set of vines planted in 1977 had survived being cut and plowed in the early ‘90s. These own-rooted Pommard Clone Pinot Noir vines form a stunning base for this barrel selected Reserve bottling.

Jillian

Jillian Glazer | Ponzi Wine Bar Assistant Manager | Ponzi Wine Bar
100 SW 7th Street Dundee, OR 97115
Ph: 503.554.1500 | F: 503.554.8800