Bergman Estate Proprietary Red Napa Valley 2021

This year more than ever, the wine industry’s headlines have had an incredible pull on our psyche. The seemingly constant news stream of mergers and acquisitions has caused even the steadiest of brands to raise an eyebrow. At the core of winemaking is family, and growth is built upon generational commitment, so when we read with jaws agape that many established brands are throwing in the towel it feels like a seismic shift that will throw our industry off of its axis. But as we love to remind our friends and clients, wine has survived wars, and while the dust has certainly yet to settle, we are already starting to see emerging buds amongst the rubble.

No one is bucking the headlines with as much force as Bergman Estate. In 2013, Pam and Alan Bergman purchased 40 acres in the remote rolling hills of Spring Mountain. Their property is striking in its beauty – a narrow windy road leads you to the top of a bowl that opens up into acres of rolling vineyards encircled by ancient redwood forest. When we visited, we felt a sense of permanence. Even though the Bergmans have only been stewards of this property for a decade, it felt like the estate had existed forever. Gregarious lavender bushes tossed in the wind, a 1970s bungalow practically disappeared into the redwoods with its impeccable architecture, and the horizon of vines drew our gaze down to an olive orchard over 100 years old. It’s a remarkable sight that would restore any skeptic’s hope in the wine industry.

Back in 2013, Pam and Alan’s first order of business was to replant the vineyard. These acres had been part of Florentine Kellogg’s 600-acre property settled in 1846 and was planted to grapes in the early 1970s. Dark copper colored Aiken topsoil covers a bed of volcanic bedrock, rich in minerals. David Abreu and his team took on the replant and continue to farm Bergman Estate to this day. In total, 10-acres were planted to the effect of an amphitheater-like setting, surrounded by redwoods, oak woodland and state park land.

Winemaker Nigel Kinsman crafts the wines on site within a 7,000 square foot cave. The state-of-the-art facility was designed to support an uncompromised vision and enable Nigel’s winemaking team to work with extreme precision in their own time. Chief amongst Nigel’s team is Pam and Alan’s youngest son, Brett. His enthusiasm for winemaking was an unforeseen yet integral part of Bergman’s story which is that of generational growth. One day, Nigel will pass the baton to Brett, and the legacy of Bergman Estate will cement itself even deeper into the history of our valley.

The 2021 Estate Proprietary Red is the brand’s much anticipated debut. For three years now, ACME has built a friendship with Pam and watched with awe as this very special wine was brought to life. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot, and 6% Merlot spent an impressive 30 months in 95% new French oak to allow the powerful tannins that this mountain vineyard boasts to settle into a seamless mouthfeel. The lasting effect of this wine goes well beyond the broad structure and lengthy finish. Rather, when we drink this wine, we are revitalized by the staying power that this brand embodies. Pam, Alan, their two sons are creating more than a buzzworthy wine; they are creating a family legacy which will continue for many, many generations to come. We are honored to witness the beginning.