BerOne of the premier boutique wineries in Oregon, Bergström Wines was founded by John and Karen Bergström as they planted their Bergström Vineyard on a 13-acre, south-facing slope overlooking the Willamette Valley. In 1999, One of their sons Josh Bergström, moved back to reign after completing a postgraduate program in Viticulture and Enology in Burgundy in 1999. That fall Bergström Wines harvested their first vintage of Pinot Noir from purchased fruit and the rest has been history. Josh serves as general manager, winemaker and vineyard manager at Bergström Wines, and has been rather quietly producing some of the top wines in Oregon.
I actually spoke to Josh last summer about the 2017 vintage and he mentioned that he was highly optimistic about the degree of bright acidity and weight in his wines. HIs new wines clearly follow that theme of having great elegance and Burgundian subtlety yet possess good weight and concentration.
I was hugely impressed with the new set of releases from Bergström as these are some of the best I have ever tasted from this storied estate. One of the great Chardonnays made in the Willamette Valley, the 2017 Bergström ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay (WWB, 94) has lovely layers of fruits and non-fruits with a silky texture and incredible acidity. This is a must buy for Oregon Chardonnay lovers. One of the top wines I have sampled in the past year from Oregon, the 2017 Bergström ‘Bergström Vineyard’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) is simply dazzling in the glass with its incredible mouthfeel and its wonderful stony terroir. Learn more about these sensational wines at https://www.bergstromwines.com Here are the beautiful new wine releases by Bergström.
2017 Bergström ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay- Shining brightly in the glass, the 2017 ‘Sigrid’ Chardonnay is another sensational wine made from the talented hands of Josh Bergström. The nose is seriously good, ranging from tangerine blossom to wet stone to wild mushroom and forest floor accents that all connect marvelously in the glass. The textural elements are simply marvelous as the mouthfeel entices. Loads of richness and mouth-watering acidity line the palate with bright peach, Pink Lady apple and vanilla cream flavors. A sensational effort, this Chardonnay will cellar well over the next fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94
2017 Bergström ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir- An outstanding showing, the 2017 ‘Silice’ Pinot Noir opens with an inviting nose of copious red and dark fruits that mingle with peat moss, and wild mushroom tones on the expressive nose. The palate reveals a marvelous texture and beautifully coats the mid-palate. Bright red fruits dance with citrus rind and volcanic earth undertones on the palate. While exceedingly delicious in its youth, this stunning new bottling will have decades ahead of it. Drink 2019-2035- 94
2017 Bergström ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Le Pre Du Col Vineyard’ is located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA and is a 16-acre parcel set on marine sedimentary soils. There is a surprising whiff of volcanic earth on the nose alongside a brilliant degree of saline soaked red fruits and citrus fruits on the nose. Round and generous on the mouth, this unveils pomegranate seed, cran-cherry, blood orange zest and earthy undertones. Delightful now, this will evolve well for decades. Drink 2019-2033- 93
2017 Bergström ‘Winery Block’ Pinot Noir- This brilliant new Pinot Noir by superstar winemaker Josh Bergstrom starts off with a bouquet of volcanic earth, cigar ash, peat moss and dark fruits that line this expressive nose. Lithe and inviting, the freshness to this wine is really exquisite, as is the wonderful salinity that evokes mouth-watering acidity. Bright citrus fruits and red fruits dance with minerals on the palate. While this is seriously good in its youth it will continue to evolve well for the next two decades. Drink 2019-2035- 94
2017 Bergström ‘Bergstrom Vineyard’ Pinot Noir- The ‘Bergström Vineyard’ was first planted in 1999 and is set on a broken basalt hillside. On the nose this evokes a strong volcanic earth influence alongside red and dark fruits with lemon zest undertones. Sinfully good, the wine has a silky texture that effortlessly glides through the mid-palate. Black cherry cordial, wild blackberry preserves, peat moss and forest floor flavors all come together beautifully. While marvelous in the glass now, try to resist this stunning new wine for at least another year. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this at least a one hour decant. Drink 2020-2040- 95