Evesham Wood Vineyard and Winery
Named after the idyllic Vale of Evesham, an important fruit growing region near the Cotswold Hills in England, Evesham Wood Vineyard was planted in 1986 by Russell and Mary Raney. They had searched Oregon’s Willamette Valley for the shallow, rocky soil that ensures them the low crop yield they seek. The gently sloping eight acre vineyard is nestled on a low terrace (elevation 350 feet) of the Eola Hills’ eastern side, just north of West Salem. It is an area becoming known as one of Oregon’s greatest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay growing regions.
The wines of Evesham Wood are allowed to develop their character naturally, with a minimum of intervention. This deference to nature preserves the complexity and intensity of flavor inherent in their grapes.
Wil's impressions after his visit in August of 2008:
"Russ and Mary Raney make a little bit of wine, in a little bitty cellar, under their lovely (but also not gigantic) house, surrounded by 13 acres of organically farmed vineyards outside of Salem. In a way that is not dissimilar from Bethel Heights these wines are prototypically Eola-Amity Hills in their structure and elegance. If you haven’t tasted the 2007 Blanc de Puits Sec go get yourself a bottle right now. This blend of 85% Pinot Gris, 15% Gewurztraminer, and 3% Gruner Veltliner is 103% yummy with an almost tropical richness of fruit and great viscosity in the mouth. Russ’ 2007 Pinot Noirs are another testament to the purity of bright fruit and spice which committed and experienced growers and winemakers could accomplish in this “old school” vintage. The young vine “La Grive Bleu” is as zippy, bright, and edgy as the barrel select “Cuvee J” is complex, spicy, and ageworthy."
-Wil Bailey, ArtisanVineyards.com Portfolio Director, August '08
VIDEO-Russ Raney in Evesham Wood Vineyard, August 2008 Available Wines
