Chardonnay, Evening Land 'Summum'

The 2016 'Summum' Chardonnay is an utterly fascinating wine from Evening Land. This Chardonnay was sourced from 14 rows of unique vines in the heart of the Seven Springs Vineyard, which consist of underlying volcanic basalt rock. The 'Summum' fruit was gently pressed into 100% new Stockinger puncheons, undergoing spontaneous and indigenous fermentation and raised in the same puncheons for 12 months before being racked to tank. After 6 months in tank, it underwent a light bentonite fining before bottling. The result is simply outstanding, as this Chardonnay immediately draws you in with stunning aromatics of lemon curd, Asian pear, lime zest, flinty minerals, crushed stones, vanilla blossoms and an unmistakable nuttiness that takes it to another level. On the palate this is equally impressive, as it possesses a medium-plus body with a wonderful textural richness, which is beautifully cut with lovely underlying acidity that balances it all out. Displaying striking purity and focus, this continues to thoroughly impress as it comes to an end with a gorgeous finish marked by citrus and stoney minerals. The 2016 summum is completely captivating and readers would be hard pressed to find a more compelling example of Chardonnay being made in the United States.

Partner Rajat Parr's sommelier career earned him accolades from James Beard awards to the title of Master Sommelier, all while influencing the wine scene around the world. His passion led him to partner with winemaker Sashi Moorman in 2010, and ever since they’ve been crafting delicious Pinot Noir and Chardonnay on the West Coast. Their Sandhi label celebrates the terroir of Santa Barbara County, California. Focusing on the top sites, like the historic Sanford & Benedict vineyard, Sandhi’s range of bottles offers an easy choice for weeknight drinking and special occasions. Evening Land shows another side of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this time from the diversely planted Seven Springs vineyard in Eola-Amity Hills, Oregon. Some of the oldest known clones in the U.S. are cultivated here, a site where numerous award-winning wines have been grown. The wines of Sandhi and Evening Land are balanced, finessed, and likely to surprise you. If it’s been a while since you enjoyed domestic Chardonnay or Pinot Noir, check in and taste for yourself the quality of American winemaking.