ABOUT: The Bergstrom’s have 5 biodynamic estate vineyards totally 84 acres which stretch across 5 of the very best appellations in Oregon: Chehalem Mountains, Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge, Willamette Valley, and Yamhill-Carlton. They also have two additional vineyard sites which they have formed long term agreements with to control the farming and quality of the fruit. These are properly managed sites, biodynamic practices are the norm, making them a beacon of sustainable viticulture in the Oregon wine scene. And they’ve only been at this since 1999, so their wines in the near future will certainly be spectacular. We don’t pay much attention to wine scores but it’s hard to ignore that year in and year out they are heaped with praise from critics. We think they’re pretty great too. TASTE: The Le Pre du Col vineyard is owned by the Hill family and farmed by the Bergstroms. This 16 acres plot on Ribbon Ridge was planted with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 2006 and has begun delivering the goods. The vineyard is divided into a northern and southern section by a stand of Douglas Firs, which also surround the vineyard in three sides. To quote the Bergstrom website, “This special terroir leaves an unmistakable calling card on its wines. The blonde, khaki and even white, sandy soils on top of shale and siltstone, give way to a strong Matsutake and savory expression of forest-influenced Pinot Noir, This vineyard is known for its aromatics of Chinese five spice, rare woods, incense, red and blue fruits, a silky texture, and age-worthy structure.”
Winemaker Josh Bergstrom has this to say about the Bergstrom Le Pre du Col Vineyard Pinot Noir 2019-“A bright and brilliant light ruby-red color with a slight but beautiful amethyst tint. This wine has a knockout whole-cluster-influenced nose of bright fruit pastilles, candies, violets, roses, cinnamon, and crunchy strawberry and red cherries, with the slightest but most appropriate stem influence. This young Pinot Noir is lively and youthful with succulent fruit sweetness and juicy natural acidity. The 2019 Le Pre du Col is leaping from the glass right now. Great spice expressions in the mouth, and an underlying panoply of savory, incense, and earth as well as a saline sea-breeze-style saltiness that lends seriousness to an otherwise charmingly fruited, floral, and very drinkable young wine that has a great future ahead of it. Drink now (with decanting) - 2031+”
PAIR:Stir-fried eggplant with ginger, basil, tomato and gruyere grilled cheese, braised fennel with parmesan, and a curried kale, pumpkin, and potato pie.
