 
The Pursuit of a Dream
Seven of Hearts is about exploring different vineyards, appellations and varietals within Oregon's Willamette Valley and neighboring regions,and making wines that tell a story about where they were grown and the conditions under which they were grown. Using traditional winemaking methods, our goal is small production wines of great purity, complexity, and elegance.
 (Photo of Luminous Hills Vineyard courtesy of Joshua Chang)
This was unquestionably the most challenging and exciting of vintages we've experienced here in Oregon, but ultimately quite satisfying and highly promising. We've never before harvested in November, but this year we brought in nearly half our fruit at the beginning of this month. The cool climate varietals, Pinot noir and Chardonnay, were the primary hold-outs, but the final weeks brought about tremendous flavor development and wonderful quality, if small yields. When these wines are released, you will see some new and very special wines from sites in the Dundee Hills and Yamhill-Carlton.
The warmer climate varietals from the Columbia Valley (both Oregon and Washington) were late and with great character as well, a bit more arriving in late October. This year we brought in our first Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to be used in a blend along with the Cabernet Franc from a site that we started with a year ago. These will all be released under the new Chateau Figareaux label that will see its introduction this spring with the 2010 Cabernet Franc.
While the Rose' (Pinot noir) and whites (Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier & Roussanne) are all settled in tank and barrel, all of the Pinot noirs and big reds are approaching or just starting primary fermentation. Just where we want to see them at this stage...
Recent Press Highlights
Sips & the City May 1 2012 "Sips on the Road: Oregon Unwine'd" on the 2011Luminous  Hills Aura Estate Grown Rosé of Pinot Noir:
"This was a fan favorite and was one of the ones I was sending people over to try as well. This wine hails from the Yamhill-Carlton District, which is a high elevation site. I loved how the label popped on the bright wine. A fabulous find for $21."
 Oregon Wine Press May 2012 Value Pick "Pick a Pack of Pinots" - 2010 Luminous Hills Estate Grown Pinot Noir: "Intriguing aromas of toasty oak, bread dough and coffee bean carry forward into flavor profiles that reflect the same, with vanilla, yeast and espresso complimented by rusty earth. Lingers long and satisfying."
Recognition for three Luminous Hills wines in the September issue of Portland Monthly Magazine's article "Oregon's 50 Best Wines".
Coming Events
Pre-Memorial Weekend and Memorial Weekend
Join us in our tasting room in Carlton during the weekend before Memorial Weekend (Saturday 5/18 & and Sunday 5/19) and Memorial Weekend (Saturday 5/26 - Monday 5/28) to taste our new spring releases and some savory bites (including Salumi from Fino and Fondo):
2011 Luminous Hills
Rosé of Pinot Noir Aura
2011 Seven of Hearts Pinot Gris
2010 Chardonnay
Willamette Valley
2010 Chatte d'Avignon Grenache / Syrah / Mourvedre
2010 Chatte d'Avignon Syrah
2010 Chateau Figareaux Cabernet Franc
Paired with Smoky Ganache
2010 Coupe's Cuvée Pinot Noir Dessert Wine
Paired with Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee Bark
2011 Ice Princess Viognier Sweet Wine
 
 
As always, we will be pouring a full line-up of wines, including two pairings with two custom made chocolates by Honest Chocolates.
Seven of Hearts Tasting Room in Carlton
 217 West Main Street, Carlton (Get Directions)
Thursday - Monday,
Noon - 5pm (6pm, by request). Special event hours (e.g., Thanksgiving weekend) are 11am - 5pm.
Custom
wine-tasting chocolates from Honest
Chocolates
For private tastings and special appointments, call 971-241-6548
 
Seven of Hearts Tasting Room & Honest Chocolates Kitchen
Now Pouring:
2011 Luminous Hills
Rosé of Pinot Noir Aura
2011
Pinot Gris
2009 Pinot Noir Crawford Beck Vineyard
2010 Pinot Noir Armstrong Vineyard
2010 Luminous Hills Estate Grown Pinot Noir
2009 Pinot Noir Special Reserve
2010 Chatte d'Avignon Grenache / Syrah / Mourvedre
2010 Chateau Figareaux Cabernet Franc
Paired with Smoky Ganache
2010 Coupe's Cuvée Pinot Noir Dessert Wine
Paired with Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Toffee Bark
2011 Ice Princess Viognier Sweet Wine
     
Seven of Hearts Wine Club
 Designed for the loyal followers of our wines, the Seven of Hearts Wine Club was created as a way to obtain our limited production wines at significant discounts, as well as other club benefits. Wine Club members receive two annual packages in early May and early November, ahead of the public release of the wines.
Starting in Spring 2010, we added more flexibility to our Wine Club program. While still offering a standard selection of newly released wines, we also provide the opportunity for members to make their wine club selections from an a la carte menu of the new releases, and can include any favorites from prior releases if still available. It's about getting you the wines that you want.
From the Heart
Our "From the Heart" musings have been moved to a blog. To go to the blog, click here or on the BLOG menu item on right side of the navigation bar at the top or bottom of the page. Add your comments and join the discussion!
Terry Peasley Pen & Ink Drawing - Luminous Hills Vineyard
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