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82 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016/2017 When Dick and Nancy Ponzi founded the Ponzi winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley in 1970, they were unaware of the region's other wine pioneers, David Lett and Dick Erath. In 1974, the first vintage of Ponzi Pinot Noir was produced and in 1976 introduced it to the Portland market. The Ponzi family was one of the the first to introduce Pinot Gris to the United States in 1978, packaging it in half bottles. In full gear, the second generation, sis - ters Maria and Luisa Ponzi helped their parents as far back as they can remember. "Our father was a teacher first," Maria told the group. "And our mother always the promoter." Today, Maria's role as President is to run the sales and marketing side of the busi - ness while Luisa, who is the recipient of the French certificate Brevet Professionel d'Oenologie et Viticulture from Beaune, the first American woman to do so, is head of winemaking. CAMP [ ] Ponzi Wine Highlights by Jessie Birschbach Ponzi 2014 Aurora Chardonnay, Willamette Valley Paired with seared diver scallops, vichyssoise, caviar, bri- oche, citrus and tarragon, this single vineyard Chardonnay planted in 1991 leads with ripe pineapple and a very satisfying richness in texture. The yel- low cherry and creamy lemon chiffon that follows are countered by a white pepper finish. All the while, looming in the background is a Meursault-like hazelnut character to this bright, rich and soft Chardonnay. Ponzi 2005 Abetina Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley Made in only the very best vintages, Abetina was origi - nally planted in 1975 and consists of two acres of more than 20 Pinot Noir clones. 2005 was a "cool vintage" according to Maria Ponzi, which made sense as the bracing red fruits sung at a higher pitch and harmonized with the low, grounded, mouth-coating tannin. A bright cherry core is complemented by dark chocolate and dried figs. Dried sage in the distance wafts in on occa - sion and fogs up this otherwise pol- ished, thought-provoking wine. Sisters! President and Director of Sales & Marketing Maria Ponzi and Winemaker Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards. Hooray for Laurelwood: General Manager of The Hidden Vine, Danielle Kuznich volunteers for the punch down in style. Ponzi Vineyards 2013 Pinot Noir Reserve, Willamette Valley. Ponzi Vineyards