The 2009 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard (Bergstrom is Shea’s largest client taking about 10% of the production) sports aromas of exotic spices, sandalwood, floral aromas, black cherry, and plum. This sets the stage for a rich yet elegant Pinot Noir that displays elegance and class. Impeccably balanced and lengthy, it will continue to blossom for another 1-2 years and drink well through 2021 of not longer. Josh Bergstrom now has 5 estate vineyards encompassing 85 acres in 5 AVAs. He has decided to stop working with Riesling (despite the high quality) and focus entirely on Chardonnay in his white wine program.Tel. (503) 554-0463; www.bergstromwinery.com

The 2007 Pinot Noir Shea Vineyard was sourced from multiple sites within this large property. Bergstrom takes 14 acres (approximately 10%) of Shea’s production from which he produces his “red meat and cheese Pinot”. Aromas of sandalwood, spice box, violets, black cherry, and black raspberry lead to a structured, ripe, layered Pinot with outstanding depth, balance, and length. The succulent flavors are about as hedonistic as it gets in this vintage. Give it 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2012 to 2020. If you want an unvarnished opinion about the state of affairs in Willamette Valley, Josh Bergstrom is someone who will tell it straight. His 2007s are uniformly successful as well as reflective of what the vintage provided.