2014 Evening Land Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard Summum

Summum is latin for 'utmost'. From a section of the vineyard just above La Source, with even shallower soils, found by Dominique Lafon. Picked 2-7 days later than la Source. pH is lower. More obviously mineral and tighter than La Source. (JR)

From a mid-slope section of the historic Seven Springs vineyard. Fermented and aged in 100% new puncheons for 10 months, then in tank for six months. While the Evening Land Summum is closed and taut currently it opens with air over several days to reveal a lovely wine that will continue to develop with time in cellar. A bit of evergreen, fresh citrus and matchstick on the nose transform into white grapefruit on the palate with just a hint of spice and plenty of mouth-watering length. The mid palate offers nice concentration framed by a light phenolic cut that adds depth and shape to the wine through a long, savoury finish. Give this wine a few years in the cellar before opening as I believe it will show more of the depth it has to offer with time in bottle. While the Sandhi wines are about power, the Evening Land Chardonnays are built by subtlety and a wealth of tiny little flavours that form a constellation of interest and nuance. Carries its oak seamlessly. (ECB)

The 2014 Chardonnay Summum Seven Springs Vineyard, from the top part of the vineyard, aged identically to La Source, has a beautifully composed bouquet. It is more succinct than the La Source with precise citrus fruit, minerals and flint-Iike scents à la Chablis. The palate is very well balanced with crisp acidity, the oak very well integrated with good substance in the mouth. Touches of lemongrass and dried orange peel lend complexity and it offers great length to complete what is a splendid Oregon Chardonnay.