1999 Ponzi Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

[wondersofwine]

13% alcohol
About $30 at a DC wine shop--may have sold for less in other regions.
Purple color with fading to red or brick at the rim.
Cherry nose with flavors suggesting Morello cherries and dark fruits (dark-skinned plums maybe), touch of spices, subtle wood influence. The wine tastes vibrant, and yet mature and well-balanced. It may be at its peak now but could possibly be good for another two or three years. I have one more bottle and think I will drink it this fall rather than risking that it might go downhill in another year. Delicious, yummy wine! Not an ideal match to sweet and sour chicken with rice. Might do better with cheddar cheese or duck and is also an enjoyable drink without food. Lengthy finish.