02 Ponzi, Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

There are no parts to this wine. Because of the remarkably rich oak -- oozing with pronounced notes of vanilla, butter, and marscapone cheese -- the wine hits all at once. The 02 Ponzi is a touch young with a closed nose, but quickly opening depth on the palate. The fruit is as ripe as can be with flavors of just-picked blueberries and cherries. The oak doesn't dominate, but it certainly drives the rest of the wine, adding a nearly overdone creaminess that balances the acid and provides a raft for the soft tannins to buoy over the tongue. Some funk eventually reveals itself and I imagine there will be more savory osso bucco notes in the future.