Bergström Wines

Oregon: Willamette Valley, United States

Gargantua Syrah, Oregon — 2019

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  • Introduction

    • WINERY Bergström Wines, a first-generation American family business, is one of the most unique and lauded domaines in the Willamette Valley. Dr. John Bergström’s Swedish heritage and the love he developed for the Pacific Northwest are the roots of this estate. In 1999, John and his son, Josh, established Bergström Wines and today, Josh and Caroline, his wife and business partner, are celebrating more than 25 years as biodynamic growers of estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards on the finest appellations within Oregon’s Willamette Valley.

      WINE The Gargantua Syrah celebrates Syrah’s rich heritage and the diversity of expression possible on the West Coast of the United States. Led by Josh Bergström’s unwavering belief that American West Coast Syrah is unique, delicious, and belongs in the same conversation as the wines from France’s Northen Rhone Valley and other hallowed terroirs. To honor the purity of the Syrah fruit sourced from the best sites, we employ whole-cluster fermentation and neutral oak aging, allowing their unique character to shine through with finesse and complexitiy.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Vineyards: Willamette Valley, Rogue Valley, Columbia River Gorge, and Applegate Valley AVAs.
    • Appellation: Oregon AVA
    • Location: Oregon
    • Vine Age: 19 year-old vines
    • Clones: Balanced and varied field clonal selection
    • Soil: Various soil types
    • Exposure: Various
  • Vintage Report

    • The 2019 season concluded with cooler temperatures that slowed ripening and allowed for extended hangtime. This measured pace to harvest enabled the clusters to achieve ideal physiological ripeness while maintaining higher natural acidity. The perfectly ripened clusters permitted 100% whole cluster fermentation, producing structured, classic Syrah. Built for longevity, this vintage will likely peak after 10+ years of cellaring.

  • Vinification

    • Whole-cluster fermentation in small, open-top vessels. Native fermentation where possible. Aged on natural lees in 100% neutral small and large French oak barrels. 100% malolactic and alcoholic fermentation ( no residual sugars or malic acids). Unfined.

    • Aging: Aged on natural lees in 100% neutral small and large French oak barrels. No fining.
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 100% Syrah
    • Alcohol: 13.33%
    • TA: 4.7 g/L
    • p H: 3.81
  • Tasting Notes

    • A deep and vibrantly violet-purple covered wine that, right from the start, offers up classic Syrah aromas that are explosively ethereal and effusive: violet flowers, saline whole cluster spice, savory and sweet garden herbs, ginger, black pepper, ripe raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries. On the palate, it is vibrant and juicy, ripe and medium-bodied with dark red fruits and a lovely meaty mushroom, bouillon, and savory umami expression that makes this a beauty right now and promises excellent aging capabilities thanks to a silky tannic structure.

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Reviews

  • Gargantua Syrah, Oregon — 2019 – Wine & Spirits – 92 Points

    "The fruit for this wine is drawn from multiple Oregon sites, the contribution form the Rocks most pronounced, pointing up the scents of olive and molasses, fig jam and smoke. The age on the wine has accorded it a dark savor and smooth texture, velvety soft, with supple tannins and a quiet intensity."

  • Gargantua Syrah, Oregon — 2019 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points

    "Plump and polished, showing multilayered raspberry and guava flavors laced with smoked meat and cracked pepper notes as this builds richness and tension toward refined tannins."

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