July 2016 Domestic Wine: 2013 “Linen” Red Blend, Columbia Valley, Washington
Fine Wine Source Wine Club
July 2016
Bergevin Lane Winery: Established in 2002 by Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane (partnered with Gary Bergevin), Bergevin Lane Winery nurtures wines that embody the truly unique environment of Walla Walla, The Columbia and Yakima Valleys, and the distinct single vineyards from where the rich terrestrial wines come. The winery itself is a 20,000 square foot facility with capacity to produce 20,000 cases annually. 22 five ton stainless steel fermenting tanks plus 2 larger tanks lay out the landscape in this “industrial hip” setting. Bergevin Lane produces around 11,000 cases annually, with the majority produced under their “Calico” labels, small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Viognier reserve wines are very limited and range from 150 to 800 cases on average. The entire team helps to staff the tasting room just minutes away from downtown Walla Walla Washington.
About: The 2013 growing season started slowly, with an extended bloom period due to cooler than average temperatures. Very warm days and cool clear nights were the norm, a few scattered thunderstorms hit sections of the growing area; however, there was no significant rainfall after early June, allowing for precise canopy management. Through July and August there were warmer than normal temperatures and no rainfall. Harvest ended up starting about a week early from the warm sites, but as things cooled off the harvest was allowed to be slowed in the Walla Walla Valley and the fruits were allowed to fully mature for perfect flavors; overall, the 2013 vintage was excellent! Linen Red Blend was produced from 5 separate vineyards in 3 appellations: Walla Walla, Columbia Valley, and Wahluke Slope. Linen Red Blend is refined, elegant, yet priced for everyday drinking. Fermented in small lots using traditional techniques, Linen was aged for 16 months in small oak barrels, thoroughly blended, and 806 cases were released May 18, 2015.
Varietals: 54% Syrah, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3%Merlot
Alcohol: 13.9%
Tasting Notes: Blackberry and spice on the nose, the 2013 vintage shows dark fruit flavors like many more expensive wines. A blast of plum, cassis, and cedar in the mouth is followed by sneaky blackberry and dark fruit on the finish. This wine is made to drink now.
Food Pairings: Red meats from the grill, from burgers to steaks or a nice, slow-smoked brisket.
Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts: A great red blend; rich and loaded with flavor, yet elegant! A great wine with ribs and/or steak on the barbeque.