2008 Bergström Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard

The 2008 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard (Josh Bergstrom is Dick Shea’s largest client although not all the wine goes into the Shea bottling) is medium ruby-colored with more aromatic complexity than the preceding wines. Sandalwood, Asian spices, incense, rose petal, cherry, and raspberry scents lead to a medium to full-bodied (14.3% alcohol), ripe, structured wine with layers of fruit, outstanding grip and volume, and several years of aging potential. This packed offering merits 3-4 years of cellaring and will offer a drinking window extending from 2013 to 2023, perhaps longer. Josh Bergstrom continues to progress toward his goal of working entirely with estate-grown Pinot Noir. Gone are single vineyard cuvees from the Durant, Nysa, and Hyland Vineyards. He has also become increasingly focused on Chardonnay believing that Willamette Valley is capable of producing world-class wines from this varietal. www.bergstromwinery.com