Vineyard: Seven Springs

AppellationEola-Amity Hills
StoryFirst planted by Oregon pioneer Al MacDonald. In 2014, Sashi Moorman, Rajat Parr and Charles Banks took over the lease on Seven Springs Vineyard and launched Evening Land Vineyards as the sole producer of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from this vineyard.
Dates PlantedFirst planted in 1984
Acres62
AspectEast-facing hillside
Soilsrocky, iron-rich, volcanic
VarietiesChardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Noir

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2017 Morgen Long Black Label Willamette Valley Chardonnay

12.75% alc., pH 3.27, TA 0.64, RS 0.5 g/L, 172 cases, $25. 25% each Seven Springs, Durant, AlexEli and Yamhill vineyards. Dijon 95, 76, and 34 to 37-year-old clone 108. Native yeast fermentation, full MLF. Aged 6 months in French oak barrels, 10% new, and transferred to stainless steel for 11 months. Lightly fined with bentonite before a gentle lenticular filtration. Black label. · Very light golden yellow color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of baked apple, spice, white flower blossom and toast lead to a bright, fresh and clean-styled wine that is citrus driven and shot through with an arrow of acidity. There is an appealing steely and briny quality to the wine and a cleansing, dry finish. Score: 91. Reviewed July 8, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Morgen Long Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.31, TA 0.63, RS 1.2 g/L, 313 cases, $33. 50% Seven Springs Vineyard Dijon 95 and 76 clones. 20% AlexEli Vineyard 37-year-old clone 108. 10% Loubejac Vineyard, clone 96, 10% Durant Vineyard clones 95 and 76, and 10% Yamhill Vineyard 34-year-old clone 108. Whole cluster pressed. Barrel fermented with some lots chaptalized. Fermentation commenced with native yeasts and full malolactic conversion occurred. After one year in 25% new French oak barrels and 75% neutral French barrels, the wine was blended in stainless steel for a second winter on lees. After five months in steel on the lees, the wine was lightly fined with bentonite before a gentle lenticular filtration. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, apple pastry and nutty oak lead to a satisfying wine that is crisp and bright due to hi-strung acidity.. Flavors of lemon-lime, apple, honey and vanilla culminate in a boisterous finish that attracts another sip. Very similar to the Black label bottling but a step above. Score: 92. Reviewed July 8, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Morgen Long Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., pH 3.26, TA 0.65, RS 1.4 g/L, 67 cases, $60. Dijon clones 95 and 76 planted in Jory and Nekia volcanic soils. After whole cluster pressing, the juice was lightly chaptalized and underwent native fermentation, 100% MLF. Aged 12 months in French oak barrels, 33% new, then transferred to stainless steel for a second winter on the lees. After six months in steel, a light fining with bentonite was followed by bottling unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Harmonious aromas of lemon zest, brioche and caramel. Noticeably viscosity on the palate, with flavors of poached pear, lemon-lime, Golden Delicious apples and a hint of vanilla. Classy juice that has plenty of welcome acidity and length of flavor. Score: 93. Reviewed July 8, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2017 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $65. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of lemon oil, iron and flint. Graceful and satisfying, offering the essence of lemon complimented by bashful oak. Bright acidity propels the wine to a long, lemony finish that has a hint of graphite. This wine has a regal quality and is as comforting as silk sheets. Score: 94. Reviewed July 8, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Evening Land Seven Springs Eola-Amity Hills Gamay Noir

12.5% alc. $35., From a 3-acre block of estate Gamay Noir planting that is among some of the oldest Gamay vines in North America. Vinified in the traditional Beaujolaise approach in the cellar. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasant aromas of cherry liquor, strawberry malt, and a leafy/vegetal note. Mid weight flavors of red cherry, cranberry are shot through with a herbaceous tone. Refreshingly crisp, with balanced tannins and a juicy, red cherry-themed finish. Score: 88. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Cuvée Ruth Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 350 cases, $40. Released September 2017. This wine is dedicated to the memory of Ruth and Irv Kantor, the winery’s partner’s parents showing a tribute to partners Sue and Andy who helped Ken and Erica realize their dreams. A combination of select barrels from exceptional vineyards including Seven Springs, Sojourner and Temperance Hill. Grapes from Lewman Vineyard, a site adjacent to the winery, were also added in. A blend of Pommard, Wädenswil and Dijon clones. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. Bottled unfixed and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of red and purple berries with a whiff of spice. Mid weight plus in style, offering vivid flavors of boysenberry and pomegranate that flood the mouth with goodness. Silky and sleek in the mouth with cashmere tannins and laudatory oak input, finishing with class. This wine wows the palate with virility. Score: 93. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.58, 189 cases, $60. Vineyard established in 1984 by Al MacDonald and dry farmed biodynamically. Native fermentations, Wädenswil clone. 50% whole cluster, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 15% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A little heavy handed on the barrel treatment with aromas of cherry, spice, marzipan and bark. Plenty of red cherry and berry fruit sprinkled with herbs and framed by redeeming tannins that keep the fruit in line. The finish is particularly notable for its length. Score: 93. Reviewed February 2, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 225 cases, $65. One of the few wineries to obtain grapes from this iconic vineyard. Sourced from Block B, a mixed clonal block planted selection massale in 2007. Farming is done using biodynamic practices. Ambient yeast fermentation, 20% whole cluster, aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 35% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal aromas of fresh crushed berries, cherry, spice and earthy flora. The lightest and most elegant wine in the 2016 lineup, with delicate flavors of blueberry, cherry and raspberry. The wine picks up a little depth over time in the glass but never sheds a green thread. The tannins are fine grain, there is good acidity, and the wine finishes with modest intensity. Tasted repeatedly over a two-day period with no change. Score: 90. Reviewed May 10, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Walter Scott Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 125 cases, $ 65 (sold out). Sourced from one acre of the original 1983 plants of un-grafted Pinot Noir vines found in the lower half of the vineyard. Walter Scott is one of the few wineries to get fruit from this vineyard outside of the estate holder, Evening Land. Fermented with ambient yeasts and aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose is very open and giving, offering soaring aromas of cherry, strawberry and spice. Redder fruit is profiled in this mid weight wine with superb harmony. More open at this young age, sporting regal spiced fruit and a juicy finish filled with black cherry delight. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the quenching finish and invigorating acidity stood out. Score: 94-95. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Failla Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $59. This wine was produced and bottled at Ehren Jordan Wine Cellars in St. Helena. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Fresh aromas of dark red cherry, rose petal, earthbound flora and brioche. Striking vibrancy and length in a mid weight styled wine with flavors of cherry, raspberry, spice and subtle oak. Rather delicate with gentle tannins. Impressively, the wine builds in intensity over time and was more demonstrative when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed February 4, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Evening Land La Source Seven Springs Estate Eola-Amity Hills Chardonnay

13.0% alc., $75. This wine is a good example of the excitement around Oregon Chardonnay these days. Large once-used puncheons were employed in this vintage that yielded limited quantities. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Flat-out enchanting aromas of green apple, iron, and considerable stony minerality. Crisp flavors of green apple, apple butter, citrus and honey combine to elate the palate. The wine is clean, almost crunchy and quenching like a cold, cut apple. The fruit is enlivened by bright but complimentary acidity that lifts the mouthwatering, lengthy finish. There is plenty of “minerality” to excite even the most finicky Chardonnay connoisseur. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Evening Land Seven Springs La Source Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., $75, Dijon clones planted in shallow and rocky soils at the very top of the vineyard. · Moderately light ruby red color in the glass. Welcoming aromas of black cherry, spice, burnt tobacco, mocha and toast maintain over time in the glass. Delicious and seductive, with mid weight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry highlighted by baking spice and sandalwood goodness and underlain with complimentary oak. Rather elegant, with inviting Pinot delicacy, offering more flavor and complexity than the color would dictate. The finish has unusually gratifying length. A memorable wine from an iconic vineyard. Score: 95. Reviewed December 3, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Evening Land Anden Seven Springs Estate Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

12.5% alc., $100. For a brief period, following the divorce of Seven Springs Estate founders Al MacDonald and Joni Weatherspoon, the Seven Springs Vineyard was cleaved in two. Joni retained the vineyard’s upper half and the name Seven Springs, while Al christened the lower portion ‘Anden,’ a linkage of their children’s names Andrew and Kristen. The lower half of the vineyard is home to the Seven Springs’ original plantings of Pommard and Wädenswil on their own roots dating to 1984. Anden Pinot Noir celebrates the oldest corner of the Seven Springs vineyard as it slowly succumbs to phylloxera. 100% whole cluster, aged in 100% new Ermitage oak barrels and bottled without filtration. · Light ruby red color in the glass. Intoxicating aromas of cherry, mulch, burnt tobacco and spice. Light to mid weight in concentration, with a generous charge of dark red cherry fruit. Hints of tobacco, earth, toast and vegetation add interest. Elegantly composed and silky in the mouth, with imperceptible tannins and an extremely long finish reflecting the pedigree of the vines. This wine won’t bowl you over with sap, but it will seduce you with nuance. As the winery announcement said, “A subdued and timeless interpretation of Pinot Noir ….and a celebration of the finite time these vines have left.” Score: 96. Reviewed May 10, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven Springs Estate Anden Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $. The lower half of Seven Springs Vineyard is home to the original 1984 plantings of Pommard and Wädenswil clones of Pinot Noir planted on their own roots. This wine celebrates the history of Seven Springs focusing on vines that are slowly succumbing to the ravages of phylloxera. The smallest and most beautiful clusters are harvested and fermented on the stems. The wine was raised in 100% new Ermitage barrels and bottled without filtration. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Very shy nose initially, even reductive, picking up appealing aromas of cherry, spice and toasty oak over time. Very fulfilling in the mouth, with a whole cluster fermented demeanor, offering flavors of dark cherry, spice and burnt tobacco. There is also a savory underpinning that is intriguing. Very subtle oak support, integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Even better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle indicating this wine will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 94-95. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven Springs Estate La Source Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay

13.2% alc., 315 cases, $75. Sourced from old-vine Dijon clones in the lower half of the vineyard. Gently pressed into French oak barrels for spontaneous and indigenous fermentation. Raised on the lees in Damy cooperage, 75% new, for 10 months before being racked to tank. After a light fining, the wine was bottled without filtering. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A reductive style with aromas of citrus fruits, flint and a peek of oak. Slightly creamy on the palate with flavors of lemon, white stone fruits and mineral-inflected, juicy acidity. More fruit sap, body and finish than the Eola-Hills bottling, with a seductive texture. When tasted the following day, the reductive character had largely resolved and the wine showed a range of appealing citrus flavors. Score: 94. Reviewed May 6, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Seven Springs Estate Summum Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Chardonnay

12.9% alc., 441 cases, $100. Sourced from just 14 rows threading the spine of the vineyard. The wine was fermented and aged in 100% new Stockinger punchones, undergoing spontaneous and indigenous fermentation. The wine was raised in puncheon for 10 months and finished in tank before bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. I try to defer the use of the vague word “minerality,” but that was what came to mind when I tasted this wine. I was infatuated with the nose that offered aromas of citrus, pear, flint and toast. Slightly creamy in the mouth offering significant mid palate presence and finish, strutting flavors of lemon-lime, pear, hints of tropical fruits and a slight butter note. The soprano finish delivers grapefruit and lemon-lime goodness and tartar-chasing acidity. A bit of flinty reduction remained when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine offers both vivacious acidity and richness of flavor. Score: 94. Reviewed May 6, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Seven Springs Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Oregon Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 2,469 cases, $40. Released fall 2015. The only bottling in the Evening Land Vineyards 2013 lineup to include non-estate fruit. Sourced from three vineyards within the Eola-Amity Hills (young vines Seven Springs, Rocky Hill and Eola Springs vineyards). Following a 4 to 5-day cold soak, there is a feral fermentation in open-top oak and concrete fermenters. Aged in neutral French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromatically charming with scents of cherry, spice and sandalwood. Light to medium in weight, with flavors of cherry and boysenberry, backed by a hint of oak seasoning. Elegant in style with a dry, lengthy finish. Score: 89. Reviewed October 2, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Evening Land Vineyards Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $40. Primarily from Eola Springs Vineyard and new plantings from Seven Springs Vineyard. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak in open top oak and concrete fermenters. Aged in once-filled and neutral French oak barrels for 14 months. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Initial aromas of briar, wood shed and pine tar give way to more appealing scents of cherry and sandalwood over time in the glass. Mid weight plus sweet and sappy flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and boysenberry carry over to a slightly astringent finish with some length. An oak thread (anise and cola) runs through the background. I liked this wine more over time in the glass. Score: 89. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $55. A representation of the entire vineyard including old vine, own-rooted Pommard clone. 100% de-stemmed, natural fermentation after a 4 to 5-day cold soak in open top oak and concrete fermenters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is propelled by wood-charged purple fruits and a note of spice and pencil lead. Rich and sappy, with a full-bodied attack of ripe blackberry and boysenberry fruits framed by modest, sleek tannins. Oak plays a complimentary role in the background. Most impressive is the follow through on the generous finish. Seems to need for time to come together, like an awkward teenager with great potential reaching for adulthood. Score: 91-92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

14.0% alc., $70 (sold out). Sourced from old vine Dijon clone planted in 1995. Whole cluster pressed, indigenous fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new, and further aged in tank for another 5 months on lees. · Light golden straw color in the glass. Aromas of lemon, mango and nut oil leap from the glass. Refined and restrained flavors of citrus, Asian pear and caramel with a thirst-quenching finish. Very juicy and polished with subtle oak seasoning. I could drink this all night. Score: 92. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $75 (sold out). An expression of both rocky and shallow soils, containing old Pommard vines that are farmed organically and biodynamically. 100% de-stemmed, natural fermentation after a 4 to 5-day cold soak in open top oak and concrete fermenters. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is dark fruited, with hints of oak-driven toast and vanilla. Stunning entry and finish with layers of well-spiced black cherry and blackberry fruits in a full-bodied style. The tannic backbone is well proportioned and the texture is one of refinement. Despite its richness, the wine has good vibrancy. A classy offering that makes a statement and should benefit from another year or two in bottle. Score: 93-94. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard Summum Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Chardonnay

13.1% alc., $90 (sold out). Only produced in vintages that bring out the best characteristics of the highest elevation of the vineyard. Sourced from old vine Dijon 76 clone planted in 1995 that sits slightly higher on the hill than the fruit for the La Source Chardonnay. Long, gentle pressing of whole clusters, spontaneous indigenous fermentation, aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new with gentle lees stirring, and an additional aging in tank for another 5 months. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Inviting aromas of pear, citrus, melon, flinty reduction and a hint of oak. Slightly creamy on the palate, and very fruity and flirty, with flavors of lemon cake and white stone fruits with a touch of caramelized oak. Impeccable balance and a dry, lengthy finish that vanishes like fine Champagne. One of Oregon’s greatest Chardonnays. Score: 94. Reviewed May 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Evening Land La Source Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 971 cases, $60. 100% de-stemmed, 4-5-day cold soak in open top oak and cement fermenters. Aged 14 months in 25% new French Oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Marked reduction upon opening with aromas of matchstick and wood shed, leading to light flavors of red cherries and berries, oak vanillin and sulfur. The wine was then decanted and re-tasted later in the day and the following day. The reduction largely resolved with much more expressive aromatics and flavors with bright, fresh flavors of ripe dark berries. Good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Evening Land Red Queen Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 311 cases, $75. From a specific vineyard block that sits at the highest point of the hill, where the volcanic Basalt rocks come closer to the surface. 30% whole cluster fermentation in an open-top oak fermenter. Aged 14 months in 30% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light garnet color in the glass. Fruity nose with an array of dark red cherry and berry aromas. Elegant and silky on the palate, with a delicious core of dark red Pinot fruits complimented by oak, finishing with a hint of spice and savory herbs. Impeccable balance and easy drink ability at this early stage. Very good. Reviewed September 12, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.75% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.54, 1,528 cases, $40. Own-rooted Pommard with some 114, 115 and 777. Planted in 1984, 1988, and 1993 to 1996. Volcanic basalt soils of the Jory series. 100% de-stemmed, indigenous fermentation, aged 12 months in 25% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Winemaker is Isabelle Meunier and consulting winemaker is Dominique Lafon. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Muted aromatically and slightly reduced initially, offering over time aromas of black cherries, smoky oak and humus. Medium-weighted mix of dark red and black berry and black cherry fruits backed by moderate grainy tannins, finishing with a spiced fruit, oak-marked finish. I rechecked the wine from a previously opened and re-corked the next day and two days later, and the wine become much more expressive over time, with brighter fruit aromas and flavors while still retaining a noticeable oak underpinning. Great potential here, but the wine needs more time in bottle. Very good. Reviewed November 2, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard Summum Pinot Noir

13.75% alc., $120. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy fruit aromas with oak in the background. Savory and juicy cherry and berry fruit wrapped in supple tannins with a crisp finish. On the delicate side and approachable now, this is quintessential Oregon Pinot Noir that presently only hints at its full potential. Very good. Reviewed March 12, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Evening Land Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., $60. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy nose offering more oak than fruit. Mouth coating fruit with incredible intensity on the palate persisting on the explosive finish. Fine-grain tannins enrobe the vivid dark cherry and berry fruit, with a noticeable oak underpinning. The Evening Land Pinots all have a significant oak imprint. Very good. Reviewed March 12, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Evening Land Vineyards Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.38% alc., $40. The historic Seven Springs Vineyard was originally planted in 1984 in the Eola Hills with additions from 1993 to 1995, now spanning 65 acres. Clones are 114, 115, 777, Pommard and Wadenswil. Aged in 30% new French oak barrels. · This is a strange wine whose medium-weighted cherry and berry fruit is dominated by smoke and old wood on the nose and by an unpleasant oily flavor on the palate. Tasted three times over the past 6 months and discussed with the winemaker, Isabelle Meunier, who recommended giving the wine more time. Unsatisfactory. Reviewed November 29, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Daedalus Cellars Labyrinth Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 620 cases, $45. This wine is a cuvée of some of the best barrels in the cellar in any given vintage. Primarily Pommard clone with some Dijon 114 and Wädenswil clones from old-vine fruit sourced from Seven Springs, Maresh and Murto vineyards and younger fruit from Carabella Vineyard. Cold soaked for 7 to 32 days, 15% whole cluster fermentation, processed entirely by gravity, total skin contact 17 to 42 days, aged 14 months in 28% new French oak, unfined and unfiltered. · Aromas of toasty oak, hay, earth and barnyard dominate the demure dark fruits. The wine has a tasty core of black cherries and black raspberries with an underlying woodiness and a touch of citric peel on the persistent finish. The tannins are reigned in nicely. This wine should improve in the bottle over the next several years. Reviewed March 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Daedalus Cellars Nyarady Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 220 cases, $60. A blend of the best wine in the cellar from three vineyards: Carabella (Chehalem Mountains) 42%, Maresh (Dundee Hills) 38% and Seven Springs (Eola Hills) 20%. Dijon 114, Pommard and Wädenswil clones. 10 to 17 day cold soak, partial whole cluster fermentation, aged 15 months in 20% new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. The name of this wine was auctioned to benefit the Jimmy Mancbach Memorial Scholarship Fund. Pablo and Lynanne Nyarady won the bid and named the wine in honor of Pablo’s 85 year-old father. Hess likens this wine to Labyrinth ‘squared,” meaning a little broader shouldered than the Labyrinth bottling. · The floral nose is highly perfumed with violets initially, evolving and becoming more expressive over time to reveal demure dark fruits, spice, oak and fir. Very plush in the mouth with plumy dark fruits, notable oak accents and an underlying earthiness and stemminess. The most striking feature of this wine is its rich and velvety texture. Reviewed March 26, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2003 Et Fille Seven Springs Vineyard Eola-Amity Hills Pinot Noir

Howard just discovered a few more cases of this wine and is offering it at $42. · This is stunning with a flamboyant nose of crushed and spiced red berries that carries through to the finish. The tannins are velvety and the finish lingering. I could still taste this wine in my memory a few hours later. Reviewed August 13, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »

1998 St. Innocent Seven Springs Vineyard Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

13.6% alc.. · A surprisingly youthful wine with too much tannin on the back end for me. Some tasters felt it could improve and soften with additional aging. Certainly built to age, but I think it will always retain a certain edginess. There was plenty of high-quality cherry and raspberry fruit on the palate. Reviewed March 27, 2007 WINERY » ARTICLE »