Ponzi 2016 Pinot Gris, Willamette Vly

In the late 1960s Dick and Nancy Ponzi purchased 20 acres on a small farm just southwest of Portland, Oregon. They realized the Northern Willamette Valley's climate was ideal for cool climate varieties. Pinot Noir cuttings were planted, and in 1970 Ponzi Vineyards was founded. The methods, philosophies and winemaking passion established more than 40 years ago are still practiced today under the family's second generation. Ponzi has become internationally acclaimed for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Gris. Dick was one of the first to plant Pinot Gris in the Willamette Valley back in 1978 and Ponzi has been recognized as one of Oregon’s most consistent Pinot Gris producers for more than 30 years. This 2016 is produced from LIVE Certified Sustainable Ponzi Aurora, Avellana and Estate Vineyards, as well as select vineyards from around the Willamette Valley. Grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks, not exceeding 55 ̊F. Malolactic fermentation was prohibited to retain the bright and lively character of  the wine. Wine Enthusiast Magazine selected this as an "Editors' Choice" and they scored it 91 points saying "This is done in a crisp, fresh and leesy style, with lime-drenched minerality. Flavors of white peach and guava gain volume and density as the wine warms on the palate. It was kept from malolactic fermentation, enlivening a lingering, resonant finish."