Columbia and Willamette Valley Wine Tasting

On a recent trip to visit relatives in Vancouver, WA, we had the opportunity to do some wine tasting in a variety of settings. These included a wine pub, multiple tasting rooms and wineries themselves. We even tasted a delicious Provençal rosé with lunch at our hotel!

After enjoying a bottle of Hazel Pinot Noir with family, we took a ride share to Uptown Barrel Room in Vancouver, WA. With an extensive, well-priced wine list and enthusiastic employees, it was a fun place to dine, drink wine and watch a hockey game.

• 2021 Hazel Wine Co Pinot Noir 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  (6/8/2023)

  Hazel's 2021 Willamette Valley Pinot is comprised of fruit from the Yamhill-Carleton AVA (60%) and the Eola-Amity Hills AVA (40%). Aged for 10 months in French oak barriques (16% new), it is a medium ruby-colored wine that offers aromas and flavors of Montmorency cherries, raspberries, orange zest, baking spices and cocoa. Medium-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked, softly tannic and without alcoholic heat (13.7%), it has good mid-palate persistence and finishes medium-to-long. This is a very approachable young Pinot that will be at its best over the next five years. Popped and poured, it does not require extended aeration to fully strut its stuff. Drink now-2028.

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• 2014 Seven Kingdoms Wines Cabernet Sauvignon Game of Thrones 92 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  (6/8/2023)

  This opaque crimson Cabernet Sauvignon also includes dollops of Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah. Tasted over a two-hour interval from a bottle that had been popped and poured, it delivers a ripe package of black currants, Morello cherries, mulling spices, graphite and bittersweet chocolate. Full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (13.9%) and judiciously oaked, it wraps its flavors with medium-weight, silky-textured tannins. Dense on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a delicious Napa Cab that should provide lots of pleasure throughout the remainder of this decade. Give it an hour or more of air if you choose to pop the cork at this juncture. Drink now-2-30.

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• 2018 Stags' Leap Winery Cabernet Sauvignon Oakville 91 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley, Oakville

  (6/8/2023)

  For the 2018 vintage, Stags' Leap's Oakville Cabernet is essentially a single-vineyard wine, being sourced entirely from the Gamble Ranch Vineyard. Popped poured and initially tasted over a two-hour period, it continued to improve aromatically throughout the entire tasting interval. Deep ruby in color, it is packed with cassis, dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, bark, nutmeg, smoke and bittersweet chocolate. Full-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (14.3%), proportionately oaked and with a fair amount of tannic grip, it stays dense on the mid-palate and finishes with good length. Of note is that this particular bottle was not completely consumed the first night, and proved to be significantly better on the second day. This aeration requirement and the wine's firm, tannic backbone suggest that additional cellaring will be rewarded. A higher score may ultimately be merited. Drink 2026-2038.

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The AC Waterfront Marriott is a new, well-appointed hotel that is nestled along the Columbia River. It has a nice restaurant, where we enjoyed lunch and a refreshing rosé.

• 2021 Maîtres Vignerons de la Presqu'ile de Saint-Tropez Côtes de Provence Fleur de Mer Rosé 90 Points

  France, Provence, Côtes de Provence

  (6/9/2023)

  Ordered from a restaurant's wine list, this bottle was popped and poured, subsequently being consumed over a 90-minute period. A light salmon-colored blend that is predominantly comprised of Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan (with dollops of other varietals), it is immediately aromatically expressive of orange zest, watermelon, strawberries, jasmine and wet stones. Light-bodied, crisply acidic, unoaked and without noticeable alcohol (12.5%), it delivers flavors in line with the nose and stays solid on the mid-palate. Closing with a saline-laden, medium-length finish, this is a delicious rosé that should be a perfect sipper this summer and next. Drink now-2024.

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Brian Carter Cellars has a beautiful tasting room on the waterfront in Vancouver, WA. Carter's wines are consistently excellent. They also served a Chardonnay from their friends' winery, Array Cellars.

• 2014 Array Cellars Chardonnay Nina's Reserve 89 Points

  USA, Washington

  (6/10/2023)

  Tasted at Brian Carter's tasting room in Vancouver, WA from a bottle that had reportedly been opened one hour prior, this light golden wine showed nicely. Barrel-fermented and aged on its lees for 22 months in French oak barriques, it flaunts an intense aromatic profile of white peaches, Bosq pears, honey, lemongrass and jasmine. Medium-bodied and with good cut, it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas. The alcohol (listed as 14.5%) lurks quietly in the background, while the creamy oak imparts a significant vanilla component that is pervasive on the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This is a well-crafted Chardonnay that is holding up nicely at nine years of age; however, for my palate, a softer hand with the oak would have resulted in something even better. Drink now-2027.

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• 2020 Brian Carter Cellars Byzance 93 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Brian Carter's 2020 Byzance is a medium ruby blend of 53% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 16% Mourvèdre, 6% Cinsault and 5% Counoise. Aromatically it is expressive of Bing cherries, dark bramble fruits, Provençal herbs, black pepper and cocoa. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, softly oaked and without any heat from its 14.4% alcohol (when served at 60-65°F), it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas. The tannins are medium in weight but very fine-grained, resulting in soft textures that persist throughout the dense mid-palate and lengthy finish. This was tasted at Brian Carter's tasting room in Vancouver, WA from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked an hour earlier. Drink now-2030.

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• 2016 Brian Carter Cellars Merlot One Willard Family Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Last tasted 8/27/2021, this wine is aging gracefully. Deep ruby in color, it remains aromatically expressive of Bing cherries, black currants, lavender, allspice, cocoa and savory herbs. Medium-to-full-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and without alcoholic heat (14.5%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, wrapped with plentiful silky-textured tannins. Dense on the middle palate and lengthy on the back end, this is a delicious single-vineyard Merlot that has no rough edges. Tasted from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately one hour prior to sampling at Brian Carter's tasting room in Vancouver, WA. Drink now-2031.

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• 2016 Brian Carter Cellars Trentenaire 92 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Brian Carter's 2016 Trentenaire is a Bordeaux-style red blend comprised of 56% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Cabernet Franc and 6% Malbec. Sampled at the winery's tasting room in Vancouver, WA from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked one hour prior, it flaunts an attractive aromatic profile of Montmorency cherries, cassis, bittersweet chocolate, exotic spices and savory herbs. Full-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.5%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. Firm tannins ascend in the middle and are pervasive on the lengthy back end, suggesting that this might be at its best after its tenth birthday. Drink 2027-2036.

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• 2017 Brian Carter Cellars Solesce 94 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Brian Carter's 2017 Solesce is a deep-to-opaque ruby-colored blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 4% Malbec. Served at the winery's tasting room in Vancouver, WA from a bottle that had been uncorked one hour prior, it delivers an intensely aromatic and flavorful package of dark bramble fruits, Bing cherries, blueberries, baking spices and bittersweet chocolate. Full-bodied and with excellent freshness, it weaves in its alcohol (14.3%), oak and tannins like a melodious symphony. Dense on the mid-palate and lengthy on the finish, this is a tremendous Columbia Valley red that would carry a much higher sticker if "Napa Valley" was printed on the label. The structure is in place for it to easily celebrate a happy twentieth birthday. Drink now-2037.

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• 2019 Brian Carter Cellars Tuttorosso 92 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Styled like a Super Tuscan, this medium ruby wine is a blend of 66% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 14% Syrah. Intensely aromatic, it flaunts a bouquet of black currants, dark bramble fruits, pluots, truffles, jasmine and black tea. Medium-bodied, fresh, proportionately oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 14.6%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, wrapping them with plentiful supple tannins. Impressively dense on the mid-palate and equally impressive on the finish, this is a terrific wine that shows the value that can be had from the Evergreen State. Tasted at Brian Carter's tasting room in Vancouver, WA from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked one hour prior. Drink now-2034.

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In close proximity to Brian Carter's tasting room on the Vancouver waterfront is Willamette Valley Vineyards. With a gorgeous tasting facility that also includes an upscale restaurant overlooking the Columbia River, one could easily spend an entire afternoon sipping, eating and enjoying the view. Willamette Valley Vineyards owns several winery brands, all of which are offered. We elected to sample three, ordered by the glass rather than by a specific flight.

• 2019 Willamette Valley Vineyards Pinot Noir Bernau Block 93 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Willamette Valley Vineyards' Bernau Block Pinot is sourced from the first 15 acres planted by Founder Jim Bernau in 1983 at their Estate Vineyard. Tasted at the winery's Vancouver, WA tasting room from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately two hours prior, it is a medium ruby, intensely aromatic wine that flaunts a bouquet of Bing cherries, red bramble fruits, baking spices, black tea, cola and cocoa. Medium-bodied, fresh, seamlessly alcoholic (listed as 13%) and with a proportionate aliquot of oak, it delivers flavors that are congruent with the aromas. The wine's plentiful but polished tannins lend a silky texture that is pervasive on the mid-palate and lengthy finish. It is hard to put down the glass when drinking this gorgeous young Pinot. It should provide pleasure for many years to come. Drink now-2034.

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• 2018 Pambrun Chrysologue 92 Points

  USA, Washington, Columbia Valley, Walla Walla Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Pambrun's 2018 Chrysologue is a deep ruby blend of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, sourced entirely from vineyards within the Walla Walla AVA. Purchased by the glass at Willamette Valley Vineyards' Vancouver, WA tasting room, it was poured from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked approximately two hours prior. Immediately aromatic in the glass, it serves up a bouquet of black currants, Montmorency cherries, fig, bittersweet chocolate and lavender. Full-bodied, fresh and with well-integrated alcohol (14.5%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose, adding a judicious aliquot of spicy oak. At this stage the tannins are plentiful, but very fine-grained. Dense on the mid-palate and long on the back end, this is a terrific Bordeaux-style red that (with proper cellaring) should easily reach its twentieth birthday. Drink now-2038.

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• 2019 Griffin Creek Syrah 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Southern Oregon, Rogue Valley

  (6/10/2023)

  Purchased by the glass at Willamette Valley Vineyards' tasting room in Vancouver, WA. The bottle had reportedly been uncorked approximately one hour prior to pouring. Opaque crimson in color, it delivers a package of dark bramble fruits, orange zest, blueberries, white pepper, licorice, and pipe tobacco. Full-bodied, freshly acidic and without alcoholic heat (14.2%), it wraps its flavors with plentiful spicy oak and equally plentiful tannins. The graphite-injected middle palate is dense and the lengthy finish flexes a fair amount of tannic grip. This is a well-structured young Syrah that will require additional cellar time so that the oak and tannins can better integrate. It may merit a higher score in the future. Drink 2026-2039.

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Located in Salem, OR, Bethel Heights Vineyard is an architecturally attractive, scenic winery. We had a morning appointment and were treated with amazing hospitality.

• 2021 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Rosé 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Bethel Heights' 2021 Rosé was sourced from the oldest Pinot Noir plantings at their estate vineyard (own-rooted Wädenswil clone vines that were planted in 1977). Whole-cluster pressed and fermented in stainless steel, it was precluded from undergoing malolactic conversion. Light salmon in color, it offers an intensely aromatic package of Santa Rosa plums, clementines, cantaloupe and jasmine. Light bodied, vibrantly acidic and without noticeable alcohol (13.2%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas, adding a nice thread of minerality. Solid on the mid-palate, it concludes with a lengthy, energetic finish. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had been opened approximately one hour prior. Drink now-2025.

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• 2018 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Estate Justice Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Bethel Heights' 2018 Justice Vineyard Chardonnay was whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented in a variety of barrel sizes (barriques, hogsheads and puncheons), with allowance of full malolactic conversion. Aged for 12 months in French oak (40% new) followed by four months in stainless steel, it is a light golden wine with up-front citrus and tropical fruit, accented with notes of ginger, violets, wet stones and spicy oak. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic and without any heat from its 13.1% alcohol, it retains good mid-palate presence and finishes long. This is a terrific Chardonnay that is aging gracefully. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had been opened approximately one hour prior. Drink now-2027.

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• 2018 Bethel Heights Chardonnay Casteel 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Bethel Heights' 2018 reserve Chardonnay, adorned with the family name, was sourced entirely from a estate block that rests immediately adjacent to the winery, planted in 1994. Whole-cluster pressed and barrel-fermented in French oak barriques and hogsheads (54% new), it was allowed to undergo full malolactic conversion. The wine was then barrel-aged for 13 months, followed by three months in stainless steel. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked one hour prior, it is light golden in color and offers an intense aromatic profile of orange zest, stone fruits, baked apples, honey and spicy oak. Medium-bodied, well cut and seamlessly alcoholic (13.1%), it delivers flavors mirroring the nose and stays solid on the mid-palate. Concluding with a saline-laden, crisp finish, this is an excellent (albeit pricey) Willamette Valley Pinot. It should be at its best over the next 3-4 years. Drink now-2027.

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• 2021 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir Lewman Vineyard 97 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  (6/11/2023)

  Planted in 1992, Lewman Vineyard lies adjacent to Bethel Heights Vineyard on the north and Justice Vineyard on the west. Purchased by Bethel Heights from the family of the late Dennis Lewman in 2020, the 2021 vintage is the first vineyard-designated Lewman bottling that has been entirely under Bethel Heights' care. Aged for 11 months in French oak barriques (30% new), it is a medium-to-deep ruby, medium-bodied Pinot with an intensely aromatic and flavorful core of Montmorency cherries, red bramble fruits and blueberries, accented with a supporting cast of violets, black tea, nutmeg and cocoa. The wine's beautiful freshness, seamless alcohol (13.2%), well-integrated wood and polished tannins all work in harmony. Dense in the middle and very long on the back end, this is an elegant yet structured Pinot that will have substantial longevity. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had reportedly been uncorked approximately one hour prior to serving. Drink now-2036.

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• 2016 Bethel Heights Pinot Noir The Cauldron Estate 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  The "Cauldron" refers to a two-acre bowl-shaped depression in the South Block of the Bethel Heights Estate Vineyard, which protects the vines from the maritime winds (making it one of the warmer parts of the vineyard). Planted in 1992 with own-rooted Pommard clone vines, it offers a distinct expression of terroir. Aged in French oak barriques for 15 months (33% new), it is a medium-to-deep ruby wine that flaunts an aromatic profile of Morello cherries, red licorice, baking spices, cocoa and pipe tobacco. Medium-bodied and impressively fresh, it delivers flavors that are congruent with the aromas. The oak is nicely integrated, as is the wine's 13.9% alcohol. The fine-grained tannins are plentiful, flexing some grip on the dense mid-palate and lengthy finish. This delicious red should provide pleasure throughout the remainder of the decade. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that was popped and immediately poured, it initially showed some reductive notes but shed the off-putting aromas after 20 minutes in glass. Drink now-2030.

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Established in 1970, Ponzi Vineyards was one of the original founding wineries that put the Willamette Valley on the map. The winery is located in Sherwood, OR and is absolutely stunning in every sense of the word. Our group enjoyed wine and bites on the deck that overlooks the vineyards.

• 2018 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Brut Rosé 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley

  (6/11/2023)

  Ponzi's 2018 Brut Rosé is a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Pinot Blanc. Tasted at the winery from a freshly opened bottle, it is medium salmon-colored and sports a brisk small-to-medium bead. The nose is moderately intense, with an aromatic profile of white peaches, quince, apricots and rose petals. Light-bodied, crisply acidic and without noticeable alcohol (11.9%), it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, adding notes of toasted bread. Solid in the middle, it concludes with an energetic, medium-length finish. This is a pleasant, well-crafted Oregonian sparkler, but I'm not sure that it merits its lofty sticker price. Drink now-2026.

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• 2019 Ponzi Vineyards Chardonnay Laurelwood District 89 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Laurelwood District

  (6/11/2023)

  Sourced from multiple vineyards within the Laurelwood AVA, this Chardonnay was barrel fermented and aged for 14 months in French oak (15% new), allowing full malolactic conversion. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately one hour prior, it is a light golden, limpid wine with aromas of baked apples, white peaches, citrus, honey and vanilla. Medium-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity and without alcoholic heat (13.2%), it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas, adding a thread of minerality and a healthy tranche of spicy oak. Solid on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this is a well-crafted Chardonnay that, for my palate, would have been even better with a little more acid and a little less oak. Drink now-2027.

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• 2018 Ponzi Vineyards Chardonnay Aurora Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Chehalem Mountains

  (6/11/2023)

  Sourced entirely from the Ponzi's Aurora Vineyard within the Chehalem Mountains AVA, this Chardonnay was entirely barrel-fermented (with 100% malolactic conversion) and aged for 20 months in French oak barriques (28% new). Light golden in color, it delivers aromas and flavors of baked apples, tropical fruit, melon, vanilla and honey. Medium-bodied, low-to-medium in acidity, seamlessly alcoholic (13.2%) and with a heavy aliquot of spicy oak, it retains good mid-palate density and concludes with a lengthy, saline-infused finish. This is a New World Chardonnay that will have many fans, but the fans will be those who enjoy the varietal in an oaky/creamy style. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had been uncorked 45 minutes prior. Drink now-2026.

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• 2021 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Laurelwood District 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Laurelwood District

  (6/11/2023)

  This medium ruby-colored Pinot, aged for 18 months in French oak (37% new), serves up a rich aroma and flavor profile of Montmorency cherries, raspberries, citrus peel, violets, nutmeg and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (listed as 13.4%), it wraps its flavors with plentiful silky-textured tannins and stays solid on the mid-palate. Finishing with impressive length, this is a great expression of the Willamette Valley and its Laurelwood District. Tasted at the winery from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately 30 minutes prior. Drink now-2030.

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• 2018 Ponzi Vineyards Pinot Noir Reserve 94 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Laurelwood District

  (6/11/2023)

  Ponzi's 2018 Reserve Pinot, aged for 20 months in French oak (40% new), is a medium-to-deep ruby wine that offer lots of ripe Bing cherry and dark plum fruit that is accented with notes of clove, black tea, loamy earth, cola and cocoa. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, seamlessly alcoholic (14.2%) and proportionately oaked, it wraps its flavors with an abundance of silky-textured tannins, has good mid-palate density and concludes with lengthy, smooth finish. Sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit, this is a quintessential Beaver State Pinot Noir that can be compared with the varietal anywhere in the world. It will (conservatively) last throughout the remainder of this decade. Bravo! Tasted at the winery from a bottle reportedly opened 90 minutes prior. Drink now-2030.

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Although our tasting experience with Evening Land Vineyards was a scheduled visit to their downtown Dundee tasting room rather than the winery itself, we were treated well by their knowledgeable Hospitality Associate, Chris Mora. The setting was relaxed and comfortable, while the wines were superb.

• 2022 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Blanc La Forêt Seven Springs Vineyard 91 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Sourced entirely from Evening Land's Seven Springs Vineyard, this wine was immediately pressed off of its skins, giving it a light rust color. Sampled at the Winery's tasting room in downtown Dundee from a bottle that had been opened approximately 30 minutes prior, it is an intensely aromatic rosé that flaunts notes of white peaches, apricots, citrus, cantaloupe and rose petals. Light-bodied, crisply acidic, unoaked and without noticeable alcohol (12.2%), it delivers flavors in line with the aromas and retains good mid-palate density. Finishing with impressive minerality, energy and length, this is a delicious wine that can be enjoyed as an apéritif or paired with light fare. Drink now-2025.

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• 2016 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Blanc de Noirs Seven Springs Vineyard 92 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Comprised entirely of Pinot Noir, this vintage sparkler is medium rust in color and sports a brisk tiny bead. Aromatic and vibrant, it serves up a package of raspberries, apricots, quince, hazelnuts and toasted bread. Medium-bodied and without noticeable alcohol (12.0%), it has a creamy-textured mousse yet retains a lively mouthfeel throughout the mid-palate and lengthy finish. This is an impressive wine that should provide lots of pleasure over the next five years (or more). Sampled at the winery's tasting room in downtown Dundee from a freshly uncorked bottle. Drink now-2028.

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• 2019 Evening Land Vineyards Passetoutgrain Seven Springs Vineyard 88 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Evening Land's 2019 Passetoutgrain is comprised of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Gamay Noir, co-fermented via carbonic maceration and aged for eight months in neutral French oak barriques. Deep ruby in color, it flaunts an aromatic profile of Montmorency cherries, clementines, lavender, pickling spice and loamy earth. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, minimally oaked, seamlessly alcoholic (12.0%) and with medium-weight, dry tannins, it delivers flavors in line with the aromas and stays solid on the mid-palate. The finish is medium in length and carries a bit of tannic grip. Because the Gamay is dominant by virtue of the vinification style, I suspect that additional cellaring would not necessarily turn this into a better wine. Sampled at the winery's tasting room in downtown Dundee from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately one hour prior. Serve it at cellar temperature if possible. Drink now-2027.

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• 2015 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir Seven Springs Vineyard 94 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Fermented and aged for the first 12 months in concrete, this Pinot was then racked into French oak barriques (20% new) for an additional 12 months. Now eight years out from the vintage, it is medium garnet in color and flaunts a beautiful bouquet of Bing cherries, raspberries, rose petals, clove, cocoa and cinnamon. Medium-bodied, freshly acidic, judiciously oaked and with well-integrated alcohol (13.0%), it delivers flavors mirroring the aromas, wrapping them with silky residual tannins. Impressively dense on the mid-palate and lengthy on the back end, this Pinot has matured into something very special. Sampled at Evening Land's downtown Dundee tasting room from a bottle that had been opened approximately 90 minutes prior. Drink now-2027.

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• 2021 Evening Land Vineyards Pinot Noir La Source Seven Springs Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Comprised of fruit from select blocks within Seven Springs (averaging 30 years of age), Evening Land's La Source Pinot was fermented in concrete and aged thereafter for eight months in French oak barriques (50% new). Medium-to-deep ruby in color, it flaunts aromas of Morello cherries, blueberries, baking spices, bark, black tea and cocoa. Medium-bodied and well cut, it delivers flavors congruent with the aromas. The wood, alcohol (13.0%) and tannins are all beautifully integrated, resulting in a wine with no rough edges. Dense in the middle and lengthy on the back end, this is nothing short of classic in quality. Sampled at Evening Land's downtown Dundee tasting room from a bottle that had been uncorked 90 minutes prior. Drink now-2033.

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• 2021 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay La Source Seven Springs Vineyard 95 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Despite barrel-fermentation, full malolactic conversion and oak aging, this light golden Chardonnay does not lose any of its freshness or minerality. Intensely aromatic, it serves up scents of citrus, green apples, white peaches, jasmine, chervil and wet stones. Medium-bodied, vibrant, seamlessly alcoholic (13.2%) and proportionately oaked, it delivers a flavor profile similar to the nose. Mineral-laden on the mid-palate and lengthy finish, this is a tremendous Chardonnay that merits its lofty sticker price. Sampled at the winery's downtown Dundee tasting room from a bottle that had been uncorked approximately one hour prior. Drink now-2031.

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• 2021 Evening Land Vineyards Chardonnay Summum Seven Springs Vineyard 97 Points

  USA, Oregon, Willamette Valley, Eola - Amity Hills

  (6/11/2023)

  Evening Land's 2021 Summum Chardonnay offers the best that can be had from Seven Springs. Light golden in color, it delivers incredible aromatics and depth of flavor. Stone fruit, green apple, honeydew, hazelnut, ginger, chamomile and saline aromas are followed by similar flavors on a medium-bodied, energetic palate. The wine's alcohol (12.9%) and oak are beautifully integrated and the middle palate is dense. With a mineral-driven finish that lingers on and on, this is a hedonistic Chardonnay that, albeit pricey, will entice many lovers of the grape to pony up the money. Sampled at Evening Land's tasting room in downtown Dundee from a bottle that had been uncorked one hour prior. Drink now-2031.

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What a fantastic trip, spending time with family members and enjoying world-class Washington and Oregon wines. We can't wait to return for more adventures in the area!