Bergström Wines – Bottle Prize
NEWBERG
18215 NE Calkins Ln.
tel. (503) 554-0468
www.bergstromwines.com
contactus@bergstromwines.com
80 ac – 144,000 bt
PEOPLE
Dr. John Bergström was a physician living a good life with his wife Karen in Portland, Oregon. However, something was missing: dirt under the fingernails. Dr. Bergström grew up on a farm in rural Sweden and couldn’t get it out of his system. To cure this deficiency, Bergström moved to the heart of the Willamette Valley. There the Bergström’s planted a 13-acre vineyard and plotted to make wine. When their son Josh returned home in 1999 from studying winemaking in Burgundy — with soon-to-be wife Caroline in tow — the first harvest was ready.
VINEYARDS
Bergström holdings have grown over the decades to six estate vineyards located in the Dundee Hills, Ribbon Ridge and Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Areas. Bergström recently acquired the 16 acre Redman Vineyard, which they plan to convert to biodynamic farming. Bergström has farmed herbicide-free for almost 20 years, stating “we are proud to be biodynamic.” The winery also sources a small amount of fruit from Temperance Hill and Shea Vineyard. Bergström is excited about a project called “Gargantua,” in which he satisfies his love of the Rhône by making Syrah using fruit from California, Oregon and Washington.
WINES
Bergström wines strike an energetic balance between French oak, concentration and bright acidity. The Old Stones Chardonnay 2016 is filled with wet river stone minerality and scents and flavors of lemon sorbet, German chamomile and beeswax. The Bergström Vineyard Pinot Noir 2015 (Great wine) is one to cellar. Its bright red fruit combines nicely with notes of dried lavender, garden earth and serious tannins. The Silice Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 has zippy acidity, chewy tannins and scents and flavors like worn saddle leather, tart raspberries and hibiscus tea.
FERTILIZERS compost
PLANT PROTECTION copper and sulfur
WEED CONTROL mechanical, mowing
YEASTS commercial cultured yeasts, spontaneous fermentation
GRAPES purchase 10%
CERTIFICATION none