Evening Land’s white wines begin with the 2009 Mad Hatter Chardonnay which was fermented with native yeasts. Malolactic fermentation was completed naturally in barrel with aging sur lie with 25% new oak. Attractive spice notes, jasmine, pear, and white peach aromas inform the nose of a vibrant, round, savory, medium-bodied Chardonnay. In the glass it displays moderate concentration, elegance, and a pure finish. This nicely balanced effort is likely to evolve for 1-2 years and drink well through 2018. 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