While its easy to point out that the Willamette Valley is renowned for its Pinot Noir, it takes a special winemaker to curate a sparkling wine, or a white wine, or a daring blend. All of the wines in this article are less than $40 and have achieved up to 92 points from Wine Spectator.
Ponzi is lauded for it’s Burgundy-like Chardonnay, which is giving credit where it is due because Louisa Ponzi studied winemaking in Burgundy before returning to her family’s vineyard. April Louis writes, “It’s important to give attention to Oregon’s Chardonnays as well. Leading examples offer brilliant and crisp characteristics comparable to white Burgundy. Ponzi’s bright and lively 2018 is a wonderful example, showing a combination of supple citrus, tropical fruit and spice notes.”