EV & EM VINEYARDS TASTING 03 MARCH 2022

 The final stop on our March pick-up run was to an old/new winery.  Laurel Lake is transitioning to EV & EM Vineyard under the new ownership of Dan Abrams.  EV & EM is open for business, but it is still a work in progress.  The main entrance is fully refreshed and expansive, with a new deck overlooking the vines being added (Figure 1).  The winery has also added large vine tracks west of the tasting house (Figure 2).  Upon entering, you are greeted by a large tasting room overlooking the processing facilities (Figure 3).   The smell of fresh paint is still in the air, with paint swatches on the wall.  Seating is nonexistent at the moment as they are still awaiting delivery of the chairs and the rest of the furniture.  The tasting room is large with a long bar and a friendly, knowledgeable team member to help with any request and lots of helpful information.  There is a lengthy tasting menu and wines by the glass, all well chilled and ready to be served (Figure 4).  First up was the E2 Tasting flight, and Jo has a glass of the Laurel Lake 2019 Lake Rose.  The E2 flight consisted of EV & EM Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay, EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer, EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Merlot, and EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Franc. 

The EV & EM Vineyards 2020 Chardonnay is a clean, crisp steel Chardonnay light in color, fragrant, with good acid, Grapefruit notes, and a mineral finish.

 The EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Gewürztraminer presented a straw color and medium body.  The nose was floral with hints of Lychee and Rose.  The flavors are grapefruit and tangerine with a hint of Ginger and minimal residual sugar.

The EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Merlot is dark in the glass and rich in flavor.  There are notes of chocolate and vanilla on the nose.  The wine opens on the palate with bright cherry and plum followed by tobacco.  The wine is rich in tannins but should smooth out as it rests in the cellar for a few more years. 

The EV & EM Vineyards 2019 Cabernet Franc burst forth with the fruit of strawberry, bramble, and some Raspberry.  As the finish develops, pepper and cedar shavings linger.  It was the standout wine of the four. 

Overall, a work in progress showing fantastic potential when fully built out and open.  EV & EM Vineyards is well worth taking a few bottles home (Figure 5) and many more revisits to see this winery develop. 

FIG 1 - EV& EM VINEYARDS FRONT ENTRANCE

FIG 2 - EV& EM VINEYARDS NEW VINES

FIG 3 - EV& EM VINEYARD TASTING ROOM

FIG 4 - EV& EM VINEYARDS TASTING MENU

FIG 5 - EV&EM VINEYARDS WINES AT HOME