2012 Bergström Chardonnay Sigrid

Bright yellow. Ripe, oak-spiced pit and orchard fruits on the deeply perfumed nose and palate, complicated by toasty lees and floral elements. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering intense peach, pear nectar and tangerine flavors energized by a core of juicy acidity. Shows excellent breadth and clarity on the very long, mineral-tinged finish, which leaves orange zest and pear notes behind.

The 2012 Chardonnay Sigrid comes from five vineyard sites, as Josh believes that consumers still need to understand what Oregon Chardonnay is before delving into single-vineyard. Good point. It is picked early to capture the acidity (around 12 to 12.5% natural alcohol) and chaptalized, matured in French oak barrels for 12 months and then undergoes a selection before another six months aging in stainless-steel tank on the lees. It has a crisp, understated and quite stony bouquet that is very Burgundy inspired. The palate is medium-bodied with a leesy opening and fine acidity, hints of brioche and hazelnut and a slight salinity on the finish. Excellent.

Lively yet rich in the glass, the 2012 Chardonnay Sigrid mixes sour melon with lemon zest, nuances of whole butter and confectionery spice. The palate is seamless, with juicy acidity that pulses ripe orchard fruits across the palate as a hint of sour citrus adds contrast toward the close. This tapers off with teeth-chattering tension, long and energetic, leaving a vivid green apple crunchiness to linger. The 2012 is easily one of the best Chardonnays I have tasted this year.