BERGSTRÖM, PINOT NOIR SILICE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON 2018
Why Buy: Exceptional quality + extreme scarcity = exactly the intersection we mine every day here at Concierge, and this one manages to be both: a 94-pointer that's sold out at the winery and not widely available, either, on retail shelves. Sourced from 20-year-old vines rooted deeply in revered Chehalem terroir, this brooding beauty of a Pinot from the glorious, “Goldilocks" 2018 vintage in Willamette (a reference to a growing season that was neither too-warm nor too-cold) is a whole cluster, open top-fermented gem that strikes the exact right balance between power and finesse. In an industry often swayed by market trends, Bergström remains steadfast in its pursuit of authenticity and excellence. No wonder its wines have become benchmarks for Oregon wine, earning accolades from critics and collectors alike.
What They're Saying: In his glowing, 94-point review, James Suckling declared it an "instantly appealing Pinot" that is "complex and powerfully fragrant with violets, blackcurrants and purple cherries, as well as fresh wild herbs and swirling spices," boasting a "smooth, succulent feel to the palate," "sleek, fine tannins," and "a supple, silky run to the finish."
Our Tasting Notes: The 2018 Silice greets you with beautiful, vibrant aromatics that hint at the concentrated fruit lying in wait. There’s great, immediate power here, but not just power: a well-tended acidity provides structure and definition to its deepness and density. We loved the note of minerality on the finish, a calling card of its unique terroir.
The Story: Bergström Wines is a testament to the American dream and the allure of Oregon's wine country. In 1999, John and Karen Bergström, along with their son Josh, transformed a former cattle ranch in the Dundee Hills into a beacon of biodynamic viticulture. Josh, fresh from his oenological studies in Burgundy, brought a European sensibility to the New World terroir. The Silice vineyard, named after the French word for "silica," is a geological wonder. This 18-acre plot in the Chehalem Mountains AVA sprawls across four rolling sandy hillsides, likely the remnants of a 60-million-year-old beach. Here, the vines struggle against unrelenting sun and strong winds, producing fruit of remarkable character. Bergström's commitment to biodynamic farming isn't just trendy eco-consciousness; it's a philosophy that permeates every aspect of its winemaking. This holistic approach, treating the vineyard as a self-sustaining ecosystem, results in wines that truly express their terroir. The Silice Pinot Noir, with its spicy notes of gingerbread, cola, and sassafras, is a liquid embodiment of this unique patch of earth.
The Specs: Winemaking at its meticulous best. Harvested between September 8-28, the grapes undergo 100% whole-cluster fermentation in open-top, temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. This process, which includes stems, imparts additional structure and complexity to the wine. Fermentation continues in 228L French oak barrels, with less than 15% new oak to preserve the wine's intrinsic character. After 10-12 months of élevage on the lees, the wine may undergo a polishing filtration if needed.
What to Pair It With: Try it with a herb-crusted rack of lamb to complement its spicy notes, or pair it with a wild mushroom risotto to enhance its earthy undertones. For a more adventurous pairing, serve it alongside a cedar-plank salmon — the ideal way to draw out the wine's subtle minerality.
ABV: 13.5%.
Fun Fact: The Silice vineyard's sandy soils are so deep that they extend 12-15 feet before hitting sandstone and siltstone. This unique geology forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients, contributing to the wine's distinctive mineral character and complexity. It's nature's way of ensuring that nothing worth having comes easy – a philosophy that resonates in every bottle of Bergström Silice Pinot Noir.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Act now to secure yours!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Fall 2024. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in GA, KS, MI, MO, NM, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, September 2nd, 2024.
