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Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay 2014

Finely wrought and delicate, the 2014 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay shows off beautiful tapicity. If you’re not convinced of Oregon’s Chardonnay Renaissance, than do seek out a bottle from Evening Land. Orchard fruit, mandarin orange, and an ethereal top note that drifts from iodine to acacia flowers to mint. Stylish and […]

Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Gamay Noir 2015

Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Gamay Noir 2015

Evening Land’s Cru Beaujolais-like Gamay Noir is sourced from the oldest Gamay Noir vines in the country, planted in 1983—though I am told that there is also a younger block in the blend. In keeping with Beaujolais tradition, this is whole cluster carbonic fermentation in concrete, the effect of which is lovely. Pie cherries burst […]

King Estate Domaine Pinot Noir 2014

King Estate Domaine Pinot Noir 2014

I had the chance to sample some of the 2014 vintage from barrel with King Estate’s former winemaker, Kevin Sommelet. 2014 was a warm year, and the estate’s Domaine label reflects this with an expressive nose abundantly perfumed by fleshy black cherries and plums, followed by deeper, woodsier aromas, worn leather, dried roses and pungent […]

Evening Land Seven Springs Estate Chardonnay 2014

Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Estate Chardonnay 2014

Really lovely, the Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Chardonnay 2014 brings with it sense of refinement. Like a classically tailored blazer, its texture is soft but structured, underpinned by a layer fine tannins and bolstered by lithe and lovely notes of lemon zest and blanched almond, pencil shavings and orchard fruit. Under winemaker Sashi Moorman’s […]

King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Domaine 2014

King Estate Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Domaine 2014

I had the chance to sample some of the 2014 vintage from barrel with King Estate’s former Burgundian winemaker, Kevin Sommelet. 2014 was a warm year, and the estate’s Domaine label reflects this with an expressive nose abundantly perfumed by fleshy black cherries and plums, followed by deeper, woodsier aromas, worn leather, dried roses, and […]

Evening Land Seven Springs ‘Anden’ Pinot Noir 2014

Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs 'Anden' Pinot Noir 2014

A knee-weakening Pinot Noir, Evening Land’s Seven Springs ‘Anden’ comes from fruit harvested in a single pass through a phylloxerated section of historic Seven Springs vineyard. The 2014 is whole cluster fermented and aged in 100% New oak—it would seem that there’s a method to winemaker Sashi Moorman’s madness in the rather unusual approach to […]

Brooks Duex Vert Vineyard Melon de Bourgogne 2015

Brooks Duex Vert Vineyard Melon de Bourgogne 2015

Brooks Melon de Bourgogne Duex Vert Vineyard 2015″ width=”200″ height=”200″ /></a>Pleasantly surprised by Brooks’ 2015 Melon de Bourgogne, with it’s filigreed nose of ripe pear, honeysuckle and chalkboard dust. It’s not as lean and leesy as some of my favorite examples from Muscadet Sèvre et Maine (Melon de Bourgogne is the variety used in Muscadet). […]

Bluebird Hill Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015

Bluebird Hills Cellars Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2015

Bluebird Hill Cellars is an ultra-boutique winery owned by my dear friends Sue and Neil Shay. I’ve watched them plant vines over the years expanding the blocks that surround their sprawling hilltop home, and more recently they’ve transformed their garage into a small tasting room. The 2015 Willamette Valley Pinot is bright ruby red, displaying […]

Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir 2013

Brooks Runaway Red Pinot Noir 2013

According to winemaker, Chris Williams, Runaway Red is the first Pinot Noir the winery blends each season. This is also Brooks’ entry level label, priced at $23.00, it’s soft and accessible with an entirely red-fruited profile. Rhubarb, strawberries, pie cherries and a delicate floral note lead into a wine that is acid driven and lightly […]

Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Domaine Serene Jerusalem Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Jerusalem Hill Vineyard lies a protected, south-facing slope, and I’m told it’s one of the more moderate sites in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA, lending more intense color and concentration—and that seems to be very accurate to the wine itself, which manages both poise and power. Sous bois, white pepper and dried sage along with fine, […]

CHRISTINE HAVENS
McMinnville, OR

christine@christine-havens.com