“Evening Land produces some of the best Chardonnay in not only Oregon, but all of North America, and their whole lineup showcases the impressive winemaking talents of Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman.” - International Wine Report

 

“We are, first and foremost, 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 undertook what would become one of Oregon’s most recognised vineyards. Nestled against a forest of Douglas fir with views eastward to Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson, it is immediately evident to any visitor why Al chose this site.” – Rajat Parr, Sashi Moorman, & Ben DiCristina – Evening Land Vineyards

Seven Springs’ eastern exposure ensures the vineyard awakens to the warmth of the morning sun. The vineyard’s position opposite the windy Van Duzer Corridor, mitigates hot, sunny afternoons in the Willamette Valley with cool winds from the Pacific. 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 the eastern aspect, affords the 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 and is farmed biodynamically, encouraging a healthy and sustainable ecosystem in the vineyard.

Seven Springs is planted overwhelmingly to Pinot Noir, followed by Chardonnay, and Gamay. The oldest own-rooted blocks of Pinot Noir and Gamay are a testament to, and daily reminder of, Oregon’s incredible history and potential. Benchmark Oregon producers have long sourced fruit from Seven Springs and the wines from this vineyard are the most decorated and award-winning wines in Oregon’s history.

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2020 Evening Land ‘Salem Wine Co.’ Chardonnay 

Salem Wine Company is a second label for Evening Land, ultilising younger-vine fruit from Seven Springs. The Chardonnay for this 2020 comes mostly from a single block of the Seven Springs Vineyard. Hand-harvested grapes are gently pressed into 500-litre French oak puncheons, where the wine undergoes a native yeast fermentation. Aged for 12 months in neutral oak barrels, it is then transferred to stainless steel tank for six months to naturally clarify before bottling.

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“The wine is a glistening yellow-gold, with aromas and flavours of yellow apple, pear, salted lemon, white flowers, fresh cream, almond skin, wet stones, and bread dough. It is medium-bodied but broadens nicely in the glass, with a textured, concentrated mouthfeel well-balanced by citrusy acidity. Pair with roast chicken and you might think you’re in a wine bar in Burgundy!”
- Ian Cauble MS, Some Select

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