Evening Land, Seven Springs Chardonnay, Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon, 2022

Overview of the Wine
First and foremost, we are faithful stewards of the historic Seven Springs vineyard, planted by Oregon wine pioneer Al MacDonald in 1984. On this dramatic east-facing slope, in the iron-rich and rocky, volcanic soils of the Eola-Amity Hills, Al MacDonald planted what would become one of Oregon’s most recognized vineyards. Nestled against a forest of Douglas firs with views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, it is immediately evident why Al chose this site.

Seven Springs’ eastern exposure absorbs warmth from the morning sun. The vineyard’s position opposite the windy Van Duzer Corridor mitigates hot, sunny afternoons in the Willamette Valley with ocean breezes. As valley temperatures increase throughout the day, warm air rises, replaced by cooling winds flooding in from the Pacific through the Van Duzer gap and across the vineyard. This daily cooling, along with our eastern aspect, affords our grapes the luxury of extended time on the vine.

Since its inception, Seven Springs has been dry farmed. The vineyard is LIVE certified and was converted to biodynamic viticulture in 2007. We continue to farm Seven Springs biodynamically, encouraging a healthy and sustainable ecosystem in the vineyard.

Biodynamic.

Winemaker
Al MacDonald

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The straw color and ever so light spritz of Seven Springs Chardonnay remain a welcome sight – the color signifying its restrained oak, while that trapped CO2 makes for a wake-up call to the palate. In between looking and tasting are Seven Springs’ classic aromas: yellow tree fruits à la Meyer lemon, Asian pear, Golden Delicious; with subtle white flower and salted pie crust accents. All these elements, it should be said, meet the electricity of each sip with enough texture to be in concert with one another, opening the wine up to a bevy of foods for pairing.

93 Points - James Suckling
Light butter and baking spice nuances in the aroma lead to vivid, juicy and crisp lemon, green apple and vanilla bean flavors that expand on the palate and linger on the finish. While it’s the entry-level Evening Land chardonnay, it should age well mid-term. Drink now or hold.

92 Points - Vinous
The 2022 Chardonnay Seven Springs is spicy and floral, with a savory blend of young peach and green melon complicated by hints of rosemary. Round and luxuriously soft with ripe orchard fruit, the 2022 impresses with its vibrant acidity and saline minerals, adding unexpected depth. Long and staining yet still remarkably fresh, the 2022 finishes with a subtle salty sensation and hints of lemon oil.

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
There are pear and apple aromas here, which is nice. What really got my attention was the combination of buttered popcorn lightly drizzled with honey that hovers in the background. Made me want to watch "Hoosiers" for the 14th time. Flavors like lemon verbena and pepitas are backed by crisp acidity.

91 Points - Wine Advocate
The 2022 Chardonnay Seven Springs Vineyard takes some time in the glass to shake off initial scents of flint and toast to reveal dried apple, beeswax and spicy undertones. The palate is understated and savory, offering textural breadth that extends its honey-nut flavors on the finish. It will benefit from 2-3 years in bottle.

Product size: 750ml