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

The 2007 Pinot Noir Estate Seven Springs Vineyard spent 14 months in 33% new French oak. Dark ruby-colored, it sports an enticing perfume of smoke, cinnamon, allspice, black cherry, and black raspberry. Medium-bodied and silky textured, it has plenty of savory fruit, an elegant personality, and excellent length. Enjoy it over the next 8 years. 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

Powerful vanilla scents rise from the glass, but the fruit, even in this difficult vintage, comes out immediately. It’s tart and sharp, with a strong herbal component, and the wine snaps into focus quickly with fruit, acid, tannin, herb and vanilla in equal proportion. Firm and tight, still quite young, this wine needs decanting and/or further bottle age to show its best. ——P.G.(6/1/2010)—— 91