2009 Evening Land Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard

The 2009 Pinot Noir Estate Seven Springs Vineyard received a similar elevage with the wine bottled without fining or filtration. Expressive aromas of sandalwood, exotic spices, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry inform the nose of a satin-textured, round, succulent, nicely proportioned wine that has exceptional concentration and depth for the vintage. It has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and should drink nicely through 2019. Evening Land Vineyards is a group headed by movie magnate Mark Tarlov that also owns Pinot vineyards in the Sonoma Coast and Santa Rita Hills and is making wines in Burgundy. They gained control of one of the Willamette Valley’s prized properties, Seven Springs Vineyard, and created an immediate sensation by signing on Dominique Lafon of Comte Lafon in Burgundy as consulting winemaker. The Evening Land group is also making a major effort to restore the health and vitality of Seven Springs. The most recent development is the addition of renowned Master Sommelier Larry Stone as President and GM of the group in August 2010. Tel. (503) 395-2520; www.eveninglandvineyards.com

Bright ruby-red. High-pitched aromas of red berries, mace, potpourri and white pepper, with slow-mounting minerality. Juicy, sharply focused raspberry and cherry flavors show very good depth and vivacity, picking up a sexy floral nuance with air. This silky, precise pinot finishes with strong punch, excellent persistence and no excess fat. Develops very nicely in the glass and has the depth and structure to age, but it's also delicious now.