2013 Bergström Pinot Noir Slice
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Tasting notes
Big rainstorm late in the season impacted harvest choices throughout the region – some picked earlier than usual to get ahead of the rains, some lost a lot of yield due to damage if they were unable to pick early. The wet conditions also created high fruit-fly pressure, which in some vineyards created VA in the fruit while it was still on the vine. As a result, picking decisions also had to be made to stay ahead of the VA issue. Farming proved essential to quality wine in the vintage. Bergström continued to increase whole-cluster inclusion and reduce oak usage here. Around 50% whole cluster and less than 20% new oak. Subtle, floral aromatics with more red fruits accented rather than guided by black fruits than in previous vintages. A bit brooding in character while still carrying nice finesse throughout. Firm, fine tannins with structural persistence and a lot of palate stimulation. The mineral sapidity and drive here is more apparent than in the earlier vintages with good depth and intrigue. (ECB)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Silice Vineyard Pinot Noir comes from vines grown on silica soils, as the name implies; it is a warm site that requires canopy management. It has a perfumed bouquet with dark berry fruit, white flowers and subtle licorice notes that open nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit. It has a soft opening, moderate depth in the mouth, that warmth before the rains coming through and delivering quite a rounded, red berry, easy-going finish that should offer several years of drinking pleasure.
Brilliant ruby-red. High-pitched red berry and Asian spice aromas, along with suggestions of sassafras and incense. Sweet and penetrating on the palate, offering sweet raspberry and cherry flavors and a subtle touch of blood orange. Dusty tannins come in slowly and weave effortlessly into the wine's energetic fruit. Intense and long on the aftertaste, leaving behind notes of five-spice powder and berry skin.