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Winter 2025 Wine Club Newsletter Message
A Season of RenewalDear Friend of Bergström WinesThe start of a new year always brings that optimistic thought ofpossibility and creation; a renewed energy is in the air here in theWillamette Valley. The usual dark and grey winter mists have given wayto historic January dryness with endless bursts of sunshine (always awelcome sight), each sunny day reminding us of the growing season justaround the corner. You can feel the excitement building beneath thesurface…With the 2023 vintage, we celebrated an incredible milestone: a quartercentury of Bergström Wines! 25 years of cultivating and being caretakersfor these storied vineyards, crafting wines, and sharing them with anextraordinary community that appreciates fine wine and understands itsplace in our culture and on our tables. As we reflect on the incrediblejourney, we step boldly into the next chapter, filled with gratitude foryour enduring support. Your belief in us has fueled our growth andinspired us to continue defining what we do and how we approach ourcraft vintage after vintage. Your continued patronage is more thanappreciated; it's the vital foundation upon which we've built BergströmWines.by Josh Bergström, Owner and Director of Winemaking
As you read, our team is hard at work, bundled in warm jackets, hats, andgloves, braving the cold to prepare for the season ahead. Winter pruningis an all-hands-on-deck effort, with our farming and production teamsworking side-by-side to nurture and shape each vine carefully, giving itthe thoughtful attention it deserves as we prepare for the next chapterof growth later this April when tender green buds will give way to leavesand shoots. In the winery, the 2024 vintage ages quietly in barrels, andwe've filled our calendars with bottling dates for exciting wines that willfeature in upcoming releases.But as we tend to these tasks, weknow that much of what lies aheadwill soon be in Mother Nature'shands. Each vintage brings its ownseasonal and cyclical rhythms: thetiming of bud break, unexpectedtemperature variations, shiftingrainfall, and more. How we respondto these changes shapes the spiritof the vintage. There's no guaranteefor navigating these variables and noformula for static success; wine isdynamic and a delicate balance ofintuition and expertise based ondecades of experience.This annual renewal of effort with its twists and turns is what I love aboutwinemaking. Every decision-making fork in the trail reveals something newand unexpected, reminding me how much there is still to learn from ourproperties and our region's climate. Reflecting on 28 years of winemakingdecisions, I feel immense gratitude for the lessons each vintage hastaught me; lessons that have shaped me into a more thoughtfulwinemaker, better attuned to the subtle signals each season offers,thoughtful for my team of professionals who have tuned their souls andefforts to our terroirs and a mutual desire to produce wines that we loveto drink and share. And yet, with bottles dating back to 1999 stillunopened (many resting in the cellars of club members like you), theresults of so many of those past choices are still waiting to revealthemselves fully.
Perhaps, when you open one of those bottles tonight or tomorrow, Wewill be in the vineyard or cellar, navigating the next fork in the road, and amemory of the vintage you're enjoying offers us a clue to the path ahead.It's a humbling and thrilling reminder of the continuity in this craft: theway past, present, and future are forever intertwined. Knowing thesewines will become part of your lives is deeply moving, and sharing thisjourney with you is a privilege. With nature, time, and your enduringsupport, we shape what's next: one bottle, one vintage, one story at atime.I send you warm regards this winter. Spring will soon be upon us, and our27th vintage at Bergström Wines will begin to unfurl. We hope to be withyou in spirit for your celebrations this year.
Our Winter Club Allocation Includes:An immensely powerful wine. Complexaromatics reminiscent of hiking through theOregon coast range on a cool autumn day:sweet dew, salty air, chanterelles ripe forthe picking, and woodsy forest floor. As thewine breathes, cane fruits—boysenberry,marionberry, and strawberry—create amelodious welcome. This medium-bodiedwine has poignant precision with mineralstructure and juicy acidity. The palate, whilefruit-forward, is resinous and teeming withclove spice and nutmeg. Worthy of yourenjoyment now or in 5-10 years.2023 Le Pré du ColVineyard Pinot Noir2023 La SpiraleVineyard Pinot Noir750ml allocated to: Premiere Club,Quintessence Club, and Classics ClubBright red with ruby hues, this wine has anose of violet pastilles, Blue Moon Roses,myrrh, and tobacco, with a hint of stemspice and peonies. It is medium-bodied,with a body as bright as the color and crispflavors of ripe black raspberry,pomegranate, and huckleberry. The winehas a layered textural creaminess that isbalanced by minerality and a saline finish. Ithas medium oak, structured tannins, wetstone, and supreme succulence.750ml allocated to: Premiere Club,Quintessence Club, and Classics Club
2018 Le Pré du ColVineyard Pinot NoirThe aromas are strikingly vibrant, withroses, wisteria, boysenberry, and fruitleather, complemented by hints of driedthyme and rosemary. The palate is complex,showcasing the elegant, suave tanninstypical of the Dundee Hills. Layers offerrous, saline minerality, red meat, andlavender are balanced by a lively acidity.The tannins, still powerful yet evolved, arefood-friendly, making this wine a versatilechoice for pairing. Drink now or cellar forfurther development. Delicious.750ml allocated to: Premiere ClubTrue to its site, this wine offers captivatingaromas of sweet moss, chanterelles,mushrooms, blackberries, and ripeloganberries. The softened palate revealswarming holiday spices intertwined withcane fruits, while the sedimentary soils ofthe vineyard contribute to its structuredtannins. Still vibrant, with emerging hints ofdried fruits, the salinity harmonizesbeautifully with a cinnamon and clove spicefinish. A delightful pairing for rich beef stewor Bolognese served over fresh pappardelle.1.5L allocated to: Premiere Club andMagnum Club2018 BergströmVineyard Pinot NoirWine Enthusiast "CellarSelection" VINOUS 95 PointsJames Suckling "Top 100"96 Points
An incredibly rich tapestry of sweet fruitsand spice unfolds in this wine, with enticingnotes of Red Delicious apples, Chinese fivespice, and citrus. The palate reveals aconcentrated, darkly sweet core layeredwith roasted coffee beans, orange oils,dried tobacco leaves, roasted pecans, andtoffee brittle. A touch of salinity on thelasting finish enhances the savorysucculence, beautifully balancing its fruit-forward profile. The palate is sweet andharmonious, supported by velvet-smoothtannins and a long, elegant finish. Pairseamlessly with Peking duck.1.5L allocated to: Magnum Club2018 SheaVineyard Pinot NoirWine Enthusiast "Editor'sSelection" 94 Points
In the spirit of embracing the comforts of winter while anticipating thevibrancy of spring, we’re featuring a dish that beautifully bridges theseasons.Here, the fragrant warmth of five-spice powder, Sichuan pepper, fennel,clove, star anise, and cinnamon, infuses the crispy, golden skin, while juicyblackberries add a burst of brightness, hinting at the spring and summerdays ahead. The result is a dish that feels both deeply satisfying andrefreshingly elegant.This recipe comes from David Tanis, one of my favorite cookbook authors.A longtime chef and passionate home cook, Tanis is known for his rustic,ingredient-driven approach to food. His recipes value balance, nuance,and thoughtful craftsmanship, much like the way we approach ourwinemaking. A glass of 2023 Le Pré du Col or 2023 La Spirale Pinot Noir isthe perfect pairing for this dish. The vibrant berry notes, supple tannins,and bright acidity of the 2023 vintage play harmoniously with the duck’ssavory depth and the dark fruit’s natural sweetness, creating a meal thatfeels both indulgent and refreshingly light.Take a moment to slow down, pour yourself a glass of Pinot Noir, andenjoy this exquisite dish.- Caroline BergströmThe Bergström Table:Five-Spice Duck Breast with Blackberries
Ingredients2 Muscovy duck breasts,about 1 pound eachSalt2 teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder1 tablespoon fresh ginger,grated2 garlic cloves, smashed or diced1 shallot, finely diced2 tablespoons good sherryvinegar2 tablespoons brown sugar6 ounces blackberries½ cup rich chicken brothMethod Trim duck breasts as necessary, removing extraneous fat or gristle.Score the skin side of the breast diagonally with a sharp knife.1. Season both sides of the duck breasts with salt, then sprinkle bothsides evenly with five-spice powder. Mix together ginger and garlicand use it to slather the breasts. Cover and let marinate for 30minutes at room temperature.2. Place a cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. When pan is hot, layduck breast in it skin-side down. Let sizzle gently for 7 minutes, untilskin is crisp and golden, adjusting heat as necessary to keep fromgetting too dark too quickly. Turn breast over and cook 3 to 5minutes more. An instant-read thermometer should register 125degrees for medium rare. Remove from pan and let rest for 10 minuteson a warm plate. Drain fat from pan (reserve for another use if youwish).3. Make the sauce: Over medium heat, add shallots to same pan andcook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add sherry vinegar, brownsugar and half the blackberries, stirring until sugar is dissolved andberries have released their juice. Add chicken broth, raise heat andsimmer rapidly until liquid is reduced by half and a bit syrupy. Strainthe contents of the skillet into a small saucepan and keep warm.4. To serve, slice duck breast thinly across the grain on a diagonal andarrange on a platter. Spoon the sauce over the meat and garnish withthe rest of the blackberries.5. Serves 4 to 6. Cheers and bon appétit!Recipe contributed by: David Tanis, New York Times Cooking
In May 2024, Jessica Rileyjoined the Ekollon TastingHouse team as a SalesAssociate, deftly guidingmembers and guests throughour tasting experiences and theworld of Bergström Wines.Jessica earned her BFA inClassical Acting from theUniversity of Houston andperformed professionally acrossTexas, including with theHouston Shakespeare Festivaland Unity Theatre. Theatre, likewine, is all about storytellingand human connection. Hertraining honed skills like Meet Team Bergström:Jessica Rileyadaptability, creative problem-solving, and confident communication, allof which she brings to her role at Bergström Wines.In May 2024, Jessica Riley joined the Ekollon Tasting House team as aSales Associate, deftly guiding members and guests through our tastingexperiences and the world of Bergström Wines.Jessica earned her BFA in Classical Acting from the University of Houstonand performed professionally across Texas, including with the HoustonShakespeare Festival and Unity Theatre. Theatre, like wine, is all aboutstorytelling and human connection. Her training honed skills likeadaptability, creative problem-solving, and confident communication, allof which she brings to her role at Bergström Wines.Jessica's love for wine bloomed while working in the software industry inher hometown of Austin, TX. Dreaming of a life that did not involve acubicle, wine became her creative outlet and her ticket to a new chapterof her professional life.
Her thirst for wine knowledge quickly evolved from casual reads totextbooks and tasting classes, leading her to leave her unfulfilling deskjob for a local wine bar that boasted 100 wines by the glass. This gaveher incredible access to a wide range of wines from all over the world.After a few months of the nocturnal bartender lifestyle, she transitionedto a wine-centric restaurant aimed at introducing wine lovers to newvarieties and styles. There, she honed her tasting skills, learned andshared the stories of passionate winemakers, and experienced the powerof a truly magical wine and food pairing. During the 2020 pandemicstandstill, Jessica pivoted to immerse herself in wine production, bringingher to the Willamette Valley to work harvests in 2021 and 2022. Afterexperiencing the journey from grape to glass hands-on, she discoveredthat winery tasting rooms have better working hours (and a way betterview!) than restaurants and appreciated the slower pace of country living.
As a wine service professional, Jessica's favorite aspect of hosting iswine's personal and subjective nature; no two people experience it thesame way. With each flight she pours, she relishes guiding her tastersthrough the nuances of terroir expression and showing just how specialthe Willamette Valley is. She believes the proof is in the Pinot Noir,Chardonnay, Syrah, and every wine offered at Bergström Wines.Jessica recalls her first introduction to Bergström Wines: a bottle of OldStones Chardonnay. Savored over the course of an evening, she was (andstill is) floored by its complexity, balance of texture and acidity, and thata small, family-owned winery in Oregon crafted a wine that eclipsedbottles made by legacy producers from classically renowned regions.Now part of the Bergström Wines team, Jessica loves combining herextensive wine history and artistic background to create memorableguest experiences. She appreciates being part of a family-owned winerythat values quality and tradition. She also enjoys contributing to a teamdedicated to crafting exceptional wines that convey a sense of place andcommitment to the land.Jessica takes her dog, Charlie, on adventures, kayaks, reads historicalfiction and fantasy novels, crochets, and maintains a hearty houseplantcollection in her spare time. She obtained her WSET Advancedcertification in early 2024 and is working towards her Certified Specialistof Wine certification. A love of travel often pairs with a passion for wine;Jessica is no exception. She loves exploring new restaurants and seekingout live music and sunsets in new, beautiful places. She always stops tosmell the flowers and believes that special wines do not have to be savedfor special occasions. Life is special, and opening the wine is theoccasion!
On behalf of all of us at Bergström Wines, thank you forallowing us to share our wines with you. We’re honored tobe part of your journey and committed to making yourmember experience seamless and memorable. Cheers!