2012 Ponzi Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., pH 3.68, TA 0.57, 8,000 cases, $40, screwcap. This wine is considered a benchmark Oregon Pinot Noir. It is a blend of certified sustainable fruit from some of the oldest and finest vineyards in the Willamette Valley, including Ponzi’s Madrona and Aurora vineyards, as well as Avellana Vineyard, which is planted entirely by clonal massale. Aged for 11 months in 100% French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Enticing mix of black cherry, Asian 5-spice and smoky oak aromas. Like the nose, the wine offers an inviting marriage of black cherry and marionberry fruit with spicy oak. Forward drinking, with balanced tannins and some finishing power. Score: 89. Reviewed September 29, 2015

Winery: Ponzi Vineyards
From article: Willamette Valley’s 50th Anniversary: A New Look at the Old Guard