Ponzi Vineyards Chardonnay, Laurelwood District, USA 2022

Laurelwood District Chardonnay 2022 is a beautifully mineral, Oregon expression of Chardonnay from the Laurelwood District AVA in the Chehalem Mountains. It’s a blend of fruit from Avellana, Aurora, Issimo and Gemini Vineyards, all planted on the distinctive Laurelwood soils—windblown loess over ancient basalt. The wine is bright, linear and textural, with aromas of citrus blossom, honeycomb, passion fruit, fresh hay, sea air and wet slate. On the palate, grilled white peach, Meyer lemon and river rock are carried by vibrant acidity, finishing firm, saline and lingering. It was whole-cluster pressed, fermented with native yeast in French oak (10% new), completed 100% malolactic fermentation, and remained on its lees with weekly stirring for six months. It then spent 16–20 months in barrel, giving it texture without overwhelming the site character.

"The 2022 Chardonnay Laurelwood District has bright aromas of lemon curd, roasted almonds, hay and beeswax. The light-bodied palate is just as lively, its concentrated fruit backlit by fireworks of fresh acidity. It has a silky texture and a long, understated finish. You could drink it now for its pure, fresh expression or let it develop savory complexity in bottle over the next decade." Wine Advocate 92