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).]

[Innkeeper]

Gee, and I just had a roast beef sandwich and a Diet Vanilla Coke for lunch!

[wondersofwine]

Yeah, but it's the company that counts and I'm sure your good company.

[winoweenie]

Gracious sakes WOW, we can't let you out of the southlands for a minuet without you making evey-ones tongue hang out! Ponzi is one of the better PNs' coming from the great Bucko Territory. Haven't had the 01 yet but sure like the 99. WW

[tandkvd]

That sounds great WOW.

We will be dinning with a church group tomorrow at the Captains Gally Fish Camp. I don't think they will have a steller wine selection. And besides I would probaly offend some of the older Southern Baptist. So I will have to stick with a dry iced tea (and take several packs of Splenda) with a twist of lemon. The only Congressman you'll probaly ever see there is Robin Hayes. And even he wouldn't mind paying his own way there.

[hotwine]

Restaurant options on visits to DC have sure improved since I used to make that trek. Sounds fan-tabulous!

[wondersofwine]

I don't know how to "minuet" WW. (I think that was supposed to be "minute" as my comment to IK was supposed to say "you're good company" not "your.")

[winoweenie]

'Course it 'twere WOW. Jrs seein if youse were paying attemntion. WW [img]http://wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]