Bergevin Lane: Dependable, Honored, Reasonably Priced Wines

If you’ve yet to try wines from Bergevin Lane Vineyards here’s the capsulized version of what to expect: solid, dependable choices, good variety, and extremely reasonable prices.

Back that up with a boatload of accolades, awards and 90+ ratings and you could hardly ask for more from a Walla Walla winery.

Annette Bergevin and Amber Lane (hence the name, Bergevin Lane) partnered with Gary Bergevin to form the winery in 2002 – practically the Stone Age for the scores of Walla Walla wineries established in just the last five years.

Annette is a seventh generation Walla Walla native whom I’ve had the pleasure of knowing since nearly the winery’s inception. Without a doubt, she’s one of the nicest people in the industry and, along with her team headed by winemaker Dave Harvey, produces some truly memorable wines.

Here are my tasting notes on a handful of some of their current releases:

2013 Linen Sauvignon Blanc (about $11) – “Linen” is a second label for Bergevin Lane and in this case, as the name suggests, perfectly describes this crisp, clean white wine. Explosive, mouthwatering stone fruit flavors of white peach and nectarine fill the glass, with trailing notes of lemongrass and minerality on a laser-sharp finish. An outstanding effort and worthy of a case purchase.

2011 Linen Red Wine (about $13) – Another insanely underpriced wine perfect for everyday enjoyment, this combination of 57-percent merlot and 43-percent syrah displays red cherry, red currant and subtle blueberry flavors. The finish shows a gentle splash of acidity, supple tannins and hints of toasted walnut.

2012 Calico Red (about $17) – Just released, this gorgeous, easy-to-drink red is a syrah-based blend that includes cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec and petit verdot. Burnt caramel and crushed herbs on the nose, generous cherry, plum and blackberry flavors on the palate, and a whisper of white pepper and dark cocoa on a plush finish add up to what is certain to be an instant classic.

2012 She-Devil Chardonnay (about $22) – With a touch of roussanne and viognier blended in, this stunning, non-oaked chardonnay is wonderfully viscous in the glass and on the palate. Bartlett pear, pineapple, and baked apple flavors lead off before melting into a crisp finish with a flourish of Fuji apple and tangy citrus.

2011 She-Devil Syrah (about $24) – Aromatics and flavors of black plum, berries, and anise are showcased in this outstanding, true-to-the varietal Washington syrah sourced primarily from the Wahluke Slope Appellation. It’s super-dark, super-sultry and capped with seductive bittersweet chocolate and espresso undertones.

Bergevin Lane Vineyards wines are well distributed in the Whatcom County area, including Seifert and Jones Wine Merchants in Bellingham. A visit to the tasting room when in Walla Walla is a must. More information: bergevinlane.com.