Ponzi Vineyards Reserve Chardonnay 2006
Dick and Nancy Ponzi founded their family winery and vineyards in 1970. For nearly four decades, Ponzi Vineyards has practiced a philosophy of innovation, experimentation, respectful stewardship of the land, and has achieved consistent excellence in their wines. Today, the winery and vineyards are operated under these same guiding principles by the second generation: Winemaker Luisa Ponzi, Director of Sales & Marketing, Maria Ponzi Fogelstrom and Director of Operations, Michel Ponzi. We tasted this wine in June and immediately started working on the details to get it into the club. It’s the quintessential Autumn Chardonnay. Aromatics of quince blossom, white nectarine, toasted meringue and marzipan lead to a broad, silky mouth of golden raspberry, spice and a touch of orange oil, finishing bright and long. Enjoy this with roasted chicken, Chilean sea bass, root vegetable risotto. Look to enjoy this wine with rich, intense foods. Coincidently, this will pair quite nicely with turkey. Hint, hint, Thanksgiving will be here before you know it. By the way, the critics love this wine too...90 Points by IWC.
Wine Advocate
There are 1000 cases of the light gold-colored, toasty 2006 Chardonnay Reserve. It was fermented with native yeasts, went through malolactic fermentation, and was aged in 15% new French oak for 18 months, The nose exhibits notes of apple, poached pear, and pineapple. Crisp and Cote de Beaune-like on the palate, mineral notes and hazelnuts put in an appearance leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish.
Score: 91.
—Jay Miller,
August
2009.
Wine Enthusiast
Confident winemaking brings extra dimensions to this reserve bottling. The grapes were whole cluster pressed and then barrel fermented and aged on the lees. It’s more forward and round than the 2005 from Ponzi, but still nicely detailed. Flavors focus on baked apple, brioche and marzipan; a delicious combination that invites sip after sip.
Score: 90.
—Paul Gregutt,
February
01,
2009.
Wine Spectator
Bright and juicy. A lively style that polishes its edges with hints of cream and hazelnut, all of it lingering harmoniously on the finish. Drink now through 2012.
Score: 90.
—Harvey Steiman,
2008.
All sizes are 750mL unless otherwise noted.
Vintages and ratings subject to change at any time.
All pricing and availability subject to change.
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