The 2009 La Source Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay received the same elevage as the Mad Hatter. The only difference between the cuvees is the parcel of the vineyard. It displays a similar aromatic profile but on the palate it reveals greater concentration, depth, and complexity. Nicely proportioned with vibrant acidity, a creamy texture, and exceptional length, it will benefit from another 1-2 years of cellaring and will deliver prime drinking from 2012 to 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

The Cotes de Beaune-like 2007 Chardonnay La Source Seven Springs Vineyard is medium straw-colored with a superb bouquet of mineral, hazelnut, and assorted white fruits. Medium-bodied, creamy-textured, concentrated, and impeccably balanced, this stylish effort should drink well for another 5 years if not longer. 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. 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 good news is that the Evening Land group is making a major effort to restore the health and vitality of Seven Springs; the bad news is that several wineries that made terrific wine from Seven Springs fruit will no longer have access. 2007 was a superb year for Willamette Valley white wines because of the vibrant natural acidity provided by the cool vintage conditionswww.eveninglandsvineyards.com