2023 Evening Land Seven Springs Estate “The Source” Pinot Noir – Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley – WS 96

2023 Evening Land Seven Springs Estate “The Source” Pinot Noir – Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley – WS 96

$89.95

Description

No doubt, Evening Land has not only earned its reputation as a top tier performer in Willamette Valley, but also on the world stage!  What other estate winery can claim back-to-back vintages scoring 96 points by the persnickety Wine Spectator?  If there are any, I guarantee the price per bottle far exceeds $89.95 a bottle.

The winery’s estate is centered around the historic Seven Springs Vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. This vineyard, originally planted in 1984, is known for its unique terroir and has been farmed organically and biodynamically under the guidance of French Burgundy guru Dominique Lafon.

Maestro winemaker Sashi Moorman has been at the helm with consultant Rajat Parr since 2014. Emphasis has been on organic-biodynamic farming practices, clonal selection, non-intervention winemaking and lower alcohol, all in the “pursuit of balance”.   The 2023 “The Source” weighs in at 13.9% alcohol.

“This dynamic red shows finesse and impeccable structure, with expressive flavors of raspberry and blueberry accented by stony mineral, star anise and forest floor tones that build richness and tension toward refined tannins. Drink now through 2034. 478 cases made.” 96 points, Wine Spectator (April 30, 2025)

“Grown at the rocky and windy crest of the vineyard, this wine communicates a sense of place more faithfully and more forthrightly than any wine we make. The vines destined for La Source Pinot Noir come from Dijon clones rooted in shallow, rocky soils at the summit of Seven Springs. Strong ocean winds slow the ripening process and force the vines to push deeper into the earth. These challenging conditions yield fruit of the highest quality.

With its deep, sumptuous ruby color, La Source Pinot Noir offers a bouquet of mixed berry compote, citrus peel, nutmeg and a purple flower note — woolly bluecurl comes to mind — that plume in width and concentration on the palate. A twist of spice tingles beside crackling acid; together they are the frame for juicy fruit and tannins that linger through a finish paved with minerality. Year after year, La Source is defined by the freshness and purity of fruit from this higher-elevation block.” – Evening Land