Bergstrom Wines Silice, Chehelam Mountains Pinot Noir 2014 750ML ($69.95) Buy Now: $59 pre-arrival special, ETA Friday, May 27th
This Bergstrom bottling takes a turn toward the dark side: the dark berry side. Not unlike the 2013 release, the 2014 Silice is decidedly richer and lusher than the Le Pre du Col bottling. There are aromas of ripe blackberries and Italian plums with ample mouthfeel and a luxurious silkiness. A subtle spiciness on the finish lingers around for a while.
The Silice Vineyard (once named the de Lancellotti Vineyard) is planted on an ancient seabed thrust up by ancient volcanos. The soil is sandy over layers of shale and sandstone, rich in reflective silica. It is a hot, arid vineyard where roots dig deep for scare water.
Bergstrom has shifted to almost entirely whole cluster pressing, imbuing greater tannins and more robust feel to the wines. Opulent as always, the Silice seems the most ripe and ready offering among the three later release 2014s. Enjoy now with a generous decant or cellar up to 5-10 years. -Suzanne