Evening Land at Seven Springs Vineyard

This was a gorgeous summer day in Oregon.  In fact, it was the first sun of the season, and dare I say, perhaps the last because we've had nothing but rain clouds since (in mid-July!)

We trekked out to Eola-Amity for a relaxing afternoon with Evening Land Vineyards. The day was spent lounging on haystacks with friends in the barn,  enjoying appetizers by El Goucho, and tromping through the renowned Seven Springs Vineyards with a pair of trusty hounds to the serenade of  summery bluegrass twang. Mix Magazine's Katharine Cole graced the scene and shared with us her recently published Voodoo Vintners, in representation of SSV's biodynamic practices. At the winemaking helm here is Isabelle Meunier, whose impeccable Pinot Noir and flirtatious Chardonnay is undoubtedly an achievement of great care and passion. When reaching the vineyard's peak we were greeted with Pinot Noir made in the old-school feminine Burgundies style---at perfectly cool drinking temp, I might add!

Ian pouring Summum for Mike, me, and Brent.

The 2009 La Source Estate Pinot and 2008 Summum, are a true pleasure (at $45 and $60 respectively.)  If you have the cash to burn on something really special, the 2009 Seven Springs Vineyard La Source Chardonnay ($60) takes the cake, though for $15 less one can pick up the simpler, yet still playful, Mad Hatter.  And, although the 2008 SSV Summum Chardonnay is down right spectacular, one should not, in their right mind, be persuading their wallet to relinquish $120.    These are not your every day wines, and of course if all you need is a delight to cool the mid-year heat, grab the juicy 2010 Celebration (Gamay) for just 20 bones.