Dick and Nancy Ponzi were pioneers when they founded Ponzi Vineyards in 1970, and the tradition continues with the current owners, Groupe Bollinger, which acquired the family’s stake in 2021. Luisa Ponzi remains on board as “legacy winemaker,” although Max Bruening handles day-to-day operations. About 83 percent of the grapes for the Laurelwood District Pinot came from estate vines, with the remainder from neighboring vineyards. Bruening ferments in small lots using native yeast, and the 2023 bottling is vibrant and fresh, with snappy tannins.
Wine Spectator: 7 Tempting Oregon Pinot Noirs Up to 93 Points
