2001 Ponzi Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

[wondersofwine]

Had a lunch reservation at Bistro Bis in the Hotel George on E St. NW (Capitol Hill area of Washington, DC). The restaurant has been open maybe five years but this was my first visit. Nice atmosphere. Has upper level seating around an open atrium but I sat on the ground floor near the bar. (The classiness of the restaurant was only slightly diminished by a Tupper Ware [?] party going on on the upper level)
Nice list of wines by the glass. I considered the Alsatian Gewurztraminer or Riesling before ordering the Ponzi Pinot Noir. The 2001 was perhaps lighter in body than the 1998 or 1999. An elegant nose and palate of red and black cherries without too much earthiness. Just a slight touch of mushroom/truffle to go with the wild mushrooms and balsamic truffle oil vinaigrette of the Salade Gourmande. The salad included chicken and shrimp along with mushroom and a melange of green vegetables--artichoke hearts, asparagus, green beans, endive, spinach and a variety of lettuces. Quite yummy. Nice assortment on the bread plate also. No room for dessert after the large salad. An enjoyable and reasonably priced lunch. The cost of the glass of wine was about the same as the cost of the salad.
Because of the proximity to Congress and the quality of the food and wine, I believe a lot of Congressional personnel would be found here on weekdays when Congress is in session. (Of course they have the Congressional Dining Room, so maybe they don't come here unless invited for a meal on the ticket of a lobbyist).

Oops-lots of misspellings or extra keystrokes today requiring some cleanup editing.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 03-29-2004).]