The SOMM Journal

October / November 2016

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{ SOMMjournal.com }  127 Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2014 Chardonnay Roserock, Eola–Amity Hills (SRP $35) Roserock should be an exciting wine for Domaine Drouhin fans. 2014 is the inaugural release of this single-vineyard beauty, aptly named after Roserock Vineyard, a cooler site in the Eola-Amity Hills that was established beginning in 2004. Just like the wines released under the Drouhin label, Roserock possesses a sort of timeless elegance. Silky yet precise, concentrated but still light on its feet, this feminine Oregon Chardonnay unfurls revealing layers of pears, lemon curd, orange blossom, honey, almond paste, anise and a fleeting kiss of oak. Domaine Drouhin Oregon 2014 Pinot Noir Roserock, Eola–Aminity HIlls (SRP $35) Aptly named, Drouhin's Rose Rock Pinot Noir hails from a parcel seated at the southern tip of the Eola–Amity Hills AVA. The grapes harvested from this site are grown in ancient volcanic soils and benefit from the cooling Van Duzer winds. Blithe floral notes; a bouquet of wild roses, lavender, lilac, dust, anise, spice, and crushed stones lead into a wine with arch - ing acidity that spreads languidly across the palate amidst black fruit notes, fine tannins, high-toned cranberry notes and toast. Ponzi Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Blanc, Willamette Valley ($22) In what was a near-perfect vintage for Oregon, Ponzi's 2015 Pinot Blanc is produced entirely from the LIVE Certified Sustainable Aurora Vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Bright, smooth and juicy with lively citrus and clean, lifted style. —Anthony Dias Blue Ponzi Vineyards 2015 Estate Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley ($19) With initial plant - ings in 1978, Ponzi has been recognized as one of Oregon's most consistent Pinot Gris producers for more than three decades and remains a leader for this varietal. Juicy and a bit spritzy with smooth, clean and tangy apple flavors; lifted and fresh, bright and long. —A. D. B. Ponzi Vineyards 2014 Tavola Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($SRP 27) 2014 was the warmest season on record in the Willamette Valley due to higher than normal minimum temperatures, resulting in a generous, ripe vintage. This wine is made for early release and everyday drink - ing. Suave and forward with tangy cherry and spice; fresh, bright and generous. —A. D. B. PHOTO COURTESY OF PONZI VINEYARDS full-time as a teacher and later my mother came on board to market the wines. They were trying to sell an unknown region and what was at the time a virtually unknown variety. It was a huge, huge challenge, and it was non-stop." Her sister, Anna Maria Ponzi, the win - ery's President and Director of Sales and Marketing, added, "Our first harvest was in 1974, and from the beginning, it was as if we were all in the foxhole together. I watched my mother's early attempts to sell our wines in Portland—initially, she wasn't successful. There was no reason to care about us. Back then, we had a long- term vision, and nobody was listening. Had we not banded together, we never would have reached critical mass. We were start - ing from ground zero. There was a lot of forward thinking early on, and they had high standards, despite having little experience." The Ponzis and the Sokol Blossers were actively involved in tightening up labeling standards; they remain the strictest in the U.S. And they were passionate about fund - ing research, which continues today with oversight from The Oregon Wine Board. "What I love and am so impressed with is how this second generation of winemak- ers has continued to embrace that same collaborative spirit," says Alison. "It's how we do things. No one questions it. This is who we are, and this is what we do. There is still so much work to be done, and there will always be a need for us to tell the Oregon story." The Sokol Blossers are somewhat unique in that they focused not only on Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris but also on cool- climate German varieties Müller-Thurgau and Riesling. They were notably the first in the United States to grow Müller-Thurgau, which Alison enthusiastically refers to as a fabulous variety. It never really took off, but it is the base for the winery's crispy and ever-popular Evolution Lucky No. 9 white wine blend. "Alex stepped into the role of Head Winemaker in 2012. I'm excited about the future. His wines have so much soul, they have his charm and his wit—they're simply beautiful. We have this amazing product that we get to share. Out on the national market, I want to continue to beat the drum." Look for our Willamette Valley Somm Camp report in the next issue. Stong work ethic: Sisters Maria and Luisa Ponzi. PHOTO: CWK PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESY OF PONZI VINEYARDS

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