Spell Winemaker Andrew Berge Interveiw with Washington Wine Blog

Washington Wine Blog: Interview with Andrew Berge

Spell Estate | Pinot Noir
Washington Wine Blog: Interview with Andrew Berge
Washington Wine Blog: Interview with Andrew Berge
April 26, 2016 Nicole VandenPlas
In News
A winemaker with a passion, Andrew Berge crafts some fantastic Pinot Noirs for Spell Estate in Sonoma, California. Sourcing from a range of small vineyards, from Mendocino County to the Russian River Valley, Andrew has a long history in the wine industry. Originally from Minnesota, Andrew achieved his master’s degree in viticulture and enology from the prestigious UC Davis. He has previously worked in New Zealand and even had a stop at the famed Chasseur winery before landing the head winemaking position at Spell Estate. His recent releases were highly impressive, particularly his single vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings which had bright acidity and lovely texture. Andrew Berge is certainly a winemaker to watch. I had a chance to sit down with Andrew and he talked about his history in the wine industry and some of the projects he has been working on at Spell Estate. I found him to be incredible passionate and articulate. Here is my recent interview with Andrew Berge, head winemaker at Spell Estate.  Click here for the entire interview… good stuff!
~ Dr. Owen Bargreen, Washington Wine Blog

Washington Wine Blog Reviews of the Spell Wines:

Spell Chardonnay 2014 – 91 Points
Russian River Valley | 243 cases produced
This wine has some creamy aromatics with creme brûlée, wild mushrooms, bananas foster and heavy whipping cream. This leads to flavors of orange creamcicle, lemon zest, Gala apple and brioche. Lovely balance with nice ripeness. Drink 2016-2022.
Sonoma County | 882 cases produced
This forward style wine opens with aromas of cherry cola, red raspberry, nutmeg and smoke. There are flavors of red cherry, dill, red raspberry and cola in this delicious, fruity style Pinot. Lovely weight here, with the right amount of stuffing and structure. Drink 2016-2022

Spell Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir 2014 – 92 Points
Yorkville Highlands | 125 cases produced
This bottling has rather intense aromas of cedar, red raspberry and stew berry preserves. There are ripe flavors of black raspberry, blackberry pie, red cherry and guava puree. Lithe and delicious wine. Drink 2016-2024

Spell Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir 2013 – 93 Points
Sonoma Coast | 100 cases produced
This impressive Pinot bottling begins with earthy aromas of first floor, Shitake mushroom, black cherry and cloves. This leads to flavors of roasted fennel, forest floor, cola and black cherry. Spell has crafted an impressive effort which has an impressive range of profiles. Drink 2016-2026

Spell Umino Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013  – 93 Points

Russian River Valley | 121 cases produced
The Pinot Noir has dense and earthy aromas of black truffle, anise, black cherry and ripe raspberry. This leads to ripe flavors of blackberry pie, cola, and black raspberry syrup. This is delicious and lively wine that has wonderful structure and mouthfeel. While this is hard to resist right now, it will cellar gracefully for at least another decade. Drink 2016-2027

Spell Alder Springs Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013 – 92 Points

Mendocino County | 126 cases produced
This impressive bottling begins with bright aromas of red cherry, red raspberry, teaberry and cranberry. This leads to flavors of dill, sage, cran-cherry, pomegranate seed which cascades alongside lovely minerality. Drink 2016-2025
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