WTN: Ponzi Pinot Noir 1995 (Willamette, Oregon)

Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve 1995 - 25th Anniversary release; Willamette Valley, Oregon

It is rare to see US wines here, even more so to see any with any age on them, and even more so to find ones that I would like. So it is no surprise that this wasn't available here.

Lovely, earthy, savoury Pinosity with a juicy tomato sweetness to it. Rich, slightly sweet still and with vestiges of oak perhaps slightly noticeable, but mostly this is about aged Pinosity and savouriness and tarness mixed in with the ripeness. Refreshing finish. Very nice.

How nice to drink unavailable wines.

[Jenise]

It is rare even in the states to see old pinots for sale let alone those from what were considered, as I believe 95 was, a poor, or at least poorer than not, year. Thing is, "poor" is by American standards where riper fruit and earlier drinking is the desired norm. That a year like 95 can go some distance on its greater acidity is not a valued attribute, at least until 10 or so years have gone by. Great note.

Nice to see a note from you on an American Pinot Noir (that you enjoyed), Otto, and a Ponzi with some age on it no less.

I believe 95 was, a poor, or at least poorer than not, year. Thing is, "poor" is by American standards where riper fruit and earlier drinking is the desired norm. That a year like 95 can go some distance on its greater acidity

I don't quite follow: wouldn't a "poor year" typically be equated with less ripe fruit (and thus higher acidity), whereas a "good year" would refer to riper fruit (and early drinking)?

[David M. Bueker]

Nice to see a note from you on an American Pinot Noir (that you enjoyed), Otto, and a Ponzi with some age on it no less.

I believe 95 was, a poor, or at least poorer than not, year. Thing is, "poor" is by American standards where riper fruit and earlier drinking is the desired norm. That a year like 95 can go some distance on its greater acidity

I don't quite follow: wouldn't a "poor year" typically be equated with less ripe fruit (and thus higher acidity), whereas a "good year" would refer to riper fruit (and early drinking)?

That's what Jenise is saying Ben. She's just pointing out that a "poor year" in the USA covers some areas that might be considered a little bit better elsewhere.

[Jenise]

I don't quite follow: wouldn't a "poor year" typically be equated with less ripe fruit (and thus higher acidity), whereas a "good year" would refer to riper fruit (and early drinking)?

As Dave assured you, that IS what I was saying. I just didn't put it very well.