2017 Bergevin Lane Vineyards Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Tasting Notes
Aromas of ripe summer blackberries, spice, vanilla, and toasted oak on the nose with flavors of dark fruits including blackberry, black cherry, cassis, spice, white pepper, and baking spices with youthful tannins and a lingering smooth finish.
Harvested in the late portion of the season, we rely on both chemical analysis and flavor analysis to determine ripeness. The cabernet sauvignon clusters were hand-harvested, hand-sorted, destemmed, and lightly crushed. We only use gravity to move the crushed grapes and juice. No pressed wine is used in making the Moonspell. The free-run juice is barrel-aged for 19 months, thoughtfully blended by our winemaking team, and bottled.
Established in 2002 by two friends pursuing a shared dream. Bergevin Lane Winery nurtures wines that embody the truly unique environment of Walla Walla, Columbia, and Yakima Valleys and the distinct single vineyards from where the rich terrestrial wines come from. Our goal is to design wines that are well-balanced, fruit-forward, and structured so that they may be cellared or enjoyed immediately.
The vision that we share is to create elegant-styled wines that reflect harmony between fruit and oak. Stylistically, we make wines that reflect the unique terroir attributes, while maintaining integrity to the varietal characteristics. Some of our favorite adjectives for our wines include food-friendly, fruit-driven, structured, and smooth… And simply put, wines that all can enjoy for any occasion.
We make wines of sizzle and mood. Wines that can muscle for your affection, or drink like a dash of glitter across an elegant shoulder.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
“We make wines of sizzle and mood. Wines that can muscle for your affection, or drink like a dash of glitter across an elegant shoulder.”
Luv it, but what [else] are they putting in this wine??!
@ttboy23 I bought a case of the 16’, and liked it. But I don’t think I need a full case of the 17’ at this price. I would go for 3-4 bottles though. Would you have any interest in a split, if we can round up another person or two?
@davekunze@kaolis I’ve enjoyed the Bergevin wines that I bought here before, and dating back to visiting their facility in Walla Walla years ago. But the “new pricing” (on this and other Casemates offers) me think it’s time to start organizing the cellar (i.e. stacks of boxes from previous offers) and tapping what is there rather than shop for anything new to add right now.
Bought two cases of the 2016, it was amazing QPR. I think I still have a bottle or two left, but it was a go-to for awhile. Great Washington CS, goes well with just about anything and easy to drink on its own. Looking back at my purchase price, either the 2017 is 50% better than the 2016 or inflation is 50% worse.
Hi there! Pricing is always a fun topic! Our intention is to always do our best to provide exceptional quality at a reasonable price! Our retail price is $35 in the tasting room and our friends at Casemates are fabulous partners and work very hard to get a price for you all that is palatable! Just a small winery trying to produce really good wine at an affordable price and keep the electricity on! Cheers!
@knotworking Interesting. I bought a case of the 2014 (which was $115 12/2019), the She-Devil Syrah ($130 9/2020) and the Linen red blend ($105 9/2021) and I’ve felt all of them had a relatively low (or maybe expected for the Linen red blend) QPR (even at the lower prices). They definitely weren’t bad but the ones I have remaining are currently all in the “second bottle of the night” category. At this price, it was an easy pass for me. I suspect I have a different palate than most of the people here because there have been a few others that were very popular that I didn’t think were as good as the community made them seem (Onesta, which I’m drinking right now is a good example of that).
@evmc@knotworking it would be super helpful to explain which wines you like/don’t like and why. Then people here can figure out where their preferences overlap with yours and where they don’t.
There’s a huge array of tastes out there, so no single wine is (or should) appeal to everybody. That’s part of the fun!
@evmc I also bought Linen (because the 2016 Moonspell was drinking well); it was okay on the first night, but any remainder was not. I thought Onesta’s Cinsault was great QPR, but the Mentida case I bought after was not. Maybe there’s a pattern there, but being overly critical about any ~< $10 bottles of wine (tax & delivery included) should come with a heavy dose of perspective.
I appreciate all wines. Red/white, sweet/dry, if it’s well-crafted, I’ll probably find enjoyment in it. That said, good QPR for me is loosely based on two criteria: the unprompted reaction of people in my circle to the wine, and how well the wine holds up on night 2.
When I take a bottle to dinner with my well-worn wine-drinking friends, if they say they like/love it or plow through the bottle, I weigh their level of approval against what I paid. More importantly, if the wine is almost as good/better the next night, there’s great value there for me. Between my wife and myself, there’s usually ~1/2 bottle left after the first night. Even if I enjoyed it initially, if I’m pouring the remainder down the drain because the wine fell apart on night 2, the value is lost.
@luvbergevinlane You do a great job and your wines are worthy of their price tag. I’m just a bargain hunter with a limitation on what I’ll spend per bottle.
@knotworking@luvbergevinlane As far as the ones I’ve bought from Casemates (which is 90% of what I drink), my favorites are (in approximate order):
Denier~Handal Mixed Red Blends ($200) This was really good and I wish I bought more than one casehttps://casemates.com/forum/topics/denierhandal-mixed-red-blends
@knotworking@luvbergevinlane Rereading what I wrote in the sober light of day (and I don’t see a way to edit the original comment), it comes off a little harsh. I (and I’m sure everyone else on here) very much appreciates all of the wineries participating here. I also realize there are many factors leading to price increases (I image the shipping costs are probably double what they were just a couple years ago). I’m sure a lot of the price increase is just current economics (my company, in a completely unrelated field, is also drastically increasing prices). Also, the screw tops may have an affect on how I perceive the taste. I make an effort to not let that happen but I do think there’s a chance it does. And I like screw tops - they’re much more convenient. But, I think there’s something in the back of my head that says “screw tops = less quality” even though I know that’s not the case.
Ultimately, a big Thank You to Bergevin Lane for making/selling your wine here and also participating in the forums!
Upon opening and seeing the 2017, I checked the cellar and I still have the 2014, 2015, and 2016 so this can be added to the vertical. Unfortunately I did not do the full vertical tasting for the rattage.
Upon pnp, lovely nose. Dark fruits and a hint of pepper. I poured in the glass and let sit approx 30/45 minutes before tasting. First taste gave way to those same dark fruits, but now it was dark cherry and blackberry with a touch of spice with a distinct acid backbone, but not harsh. Tannins were present, not much heat. Big and bold. Paired with Jasper Hill Farm cider-washed Willoughby and that was fantastic. The acidity in the wine completely disappeared by the acidity in the cheese. Next pairing was Manchego. Another winner. Same bite in the cheese that paired well.
Day two, nose was a little softer, still lovely, and the flavor profile had not changed.
Overall I enjoyed the wine. I would give this another five years or plenty of air. If drinking now, my preference is with strong foods. A few more years may allow for further integration and lend itself to a drink-without-food designation.
A big Thank You to Bergevin Lane and everyone at WCC.
Thanks for the excellent Rattage- we really are enjoying this wine and reports from the tasting room are that our visitors are loving it. and reminder to self: buy the good cheese! YUM
I was lucky enough to try this the day after it was opened – @chefjess and I have split cases of previous vintages and the She-Devil; I’ve been a big fan of these since and this one kept the story going. Nose had definite dark fruit, and a hint of meatiness to it - each sip had vanilla and cedar, tobacco leaves, and a smooth silkiness. For sure has plenty of room to grow and age but I was quite fine with it on its own. While the price is a little higher this time (I think there may have been less cases produced?), absolutely well worth the case still.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Bergevin Lane Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon - $25 = 11.10%
Earlier this week I had a bottle of the 2016 Moonspell Cab, and told myself to add this to the autobuy list. I can’t comment on the need for the price increase, but I can say you’ll be hard pressed to find a nicer Cab for the case price of $16.67 per bottle.
@mrn1 thanks for the kind words and the “perspective” … We do feel like even with a price increase that this wine at this price has a wonderful QPR. We appreciate all the feedback!
I got the 2016 and love it. If I had any room left I’d be in even with the increase. I still have a lot of it left and opened one a few weeks ago. This really needs at least an hour decant, and is a wonderful wine.
Just popped & poured the '15.
It’s delicious. Lots of flavor, lots of
fruit, very well integrated. Enough
tannin to make itself known.
If you’re on the fence…Jump!
@FritzCat awesome, thanks for the report- sadly we are out of the '15 and the little bit in the library we’re trying to hold for a later vertical. SO glad you enjoyed it!
@luvbergevinlane@tastebud Ok, I probably shouldn’t have said “ouch” above… the way I see it that 2014 was such a damn great screaming deal it screwed you up for just offering damn great deals… ha! Had a 2014 a week or so ago, drinking great and will for some time to come my humble…
Ok not much for all the fancy wine terms here, but it was delicious and I drank it with a cheeseburger. I can’t wait to keep an eye on whatever else comes up from this winery. Was it pricey sure but what isn’t these days, everyone has bills to pay. From a non snobby wine drinker it was smooth and delicious.
2017 Bergevin Lane Vineyards Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon, Walla Walla Valley
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $420.00/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, May 31 - Thursday, Jun 2
2017 Bergevin Lane Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon
4 bottles for $74.99 $18.75/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
“We make wines of sizzle and mood. Wines that can muscle for your affection, or drink like a dash of glitter across an elegant shoulder.”
Luv it, but what [else] are they putting in this wine??!
@ttboy23 I bought a case of the 16’, and liked it. But I don’t think I need a full case of the 17’ at this price. I would go for 3-4 bottles though. Would you have any interest in a split, if we can round up another person or two?
@ttboy23 Amazing grapes from from the Walla Walla Valley!
Really enjoyed Bergevin Lane wines in previous offers. Passing on this one - price is a bit steep.
@davekunze Ouch, no kidding. 2016 was $140 in July '21, the 2014 was $115 in Dec '19 and $130 June '20
@davekunze @kaolis I’ve enjoyed the Bergevin wines that I bought here before, and dating back to visiting their facility in Walla Walla years ago. But the “new pricing” (on this and other Casemates offers) me think it’s time to start organizing the cellar (i.e. stacks of boxes from previous offers) and tapping what is there rather than shop for anything new to add right now.
Bought two cases of the 2016, it was amazing QPR. I think I still have a bottle or two left, but it was a go-to for awhile. Great Washington CS, goes well with just about anything and easy to drink on its own. Looking back at my purchase price, either the 2017 is 50% better than the 2016 or inflation is 50% worse.
@knotworking
Hi there! Pricing is always a fun topic! Our intention is to always do our best to provide exceptional quality at a reasonable price! Our retail price is $35 in the tasting room and our friends at Casemates are fabulous partners and work very hard to get a price for you all that is palatable! Just a small winery trying to produce really good wine at an affordable price and keep the electricity on! Cheers!
@knotworking Interesting. I bought a case of the 2014 (which was $115 12/2019), the She-Devil Syrah ($130 9/2020) and the Linen red blend ($105 9/2021) and I’ve felt all of them had a relatively low (or maybe expected for the Linen red blend) QPR (even at the lower prices). They definitely weren’t bad but the ones I have remaining are currently all in the “second bottle of the night” category. At this price, it was an easy pass for me. I suspect I have a different palate than most of the people here because there have been a few others that were very popular that I didn’t think were as good as the community made them seem (Onesta, which I’m drinking right now is a good example of that).
@evmc @knotworking Hi there! We appreciate your notes, curious what your first bottle of the night is, always learning!
@evmc @knotworking it would be super helpful to explain which wines you like/don’t like and why. Then people here can figure out where their preferences overlap with yours and where they don’t.
There’s a huge array of tastes out there, so no single wine is (or should) appeal to everybody. That’s part of the fun!
@evmc @knotworking thanks for the comments…i.appreciate the realism
@evmc I also bought Linen (because the 2016 Moonspell was drinking well); it was okay on the first night, but any remainder was not. I thought Onesta’s Cinsault was great QPR, but the Mentida case I bought after was not. Maybe there’s a pattern there, but being overly critical about any ~< $10 bottles of wine (tax & delivery included) should come with a heavy dose of perspective.
I appreciate all wines. Red/white, sweet/dry, if it’s well-crafted, I’ll probably find enjoyment in it. That said, good QPR for me is loosely based on two criteria: the unprompted reaction of people in my circle to the wine, and how well the wine holds up on night 2.
When I take a bottle to dinner with my well-worn wine-drinking friends, if they say they like/love it or plow through the bottle, I weigh their level of approval against what I paid. More importantly, if the wine is almost as good/better the next night, there’s great value there for me. Between my wife and myself, there’s usually ~1/2 bottle left after the first night. Even if I enjoyed it initially, if I’m pouring the remainder down the drain because the wine fell apart on night 2, the value is lost.
@luvbergevinlane You do a great job and your wines are worthy of their price tag. I’m just a bargain hunter with a limitation on what I’ll spend per bottle.
@knotworking @luvbergevinlane As far as the ones I’ve bought from Casemates (which is 90% of what I drink), my favorites are (in approximate order):
Denier~Handal Mixed Red Blends ($200) This was really good and I wish I bought more than one casehttps://casemates.com/forum/topics/denierhandal-mixed-red-blends
Frog’s Tooth Mixed Reds ($190) Also regret not buying more of this https://casemates.com/forum/topics/frogs-tooth-mixed-reds
E11even Mixed Reds from Andrew Murray ($240) (and the 90+ Point Reds ($230)) I save these for more special occasions but they’re all very good https://casemates.com/forum/topics/e11even-mixed-reds-from-andrew-murray
Slingshot North Coast Cabernet Sauvigon ($130) I’m actually shocked this was so cheap - very good QPR https://casemates.com/forum/topics/slingshot-north-coast-cabernet-sauvigon
Hames Creek Cabernet Sauvignon ($78!) OK, this is hands-down the best QPR of any wine I’ve bought https://casemates.com/forum/topics/hames-creek-cabernet-sauvignon
Ty Caton Vineyards Estate Ty’s Red ($220) https://casemates.com/forum/topics/ty-caton-vineyards-estate-tys-red and Ty Caton Vineyards Syrah & Merlot ($240) https://casemates.com/forum/topics/ty-caton These are both excellent but about what you’d expect QPR-wise
86|87 Wines Proprietary Red Blend ($190) This was very good and I’m saving the last couple bottles for special occasions https://casemates.com/forum/topics/8687-wines-proprietary-red-blend
Hook & Ladder Merlot ($170) I’m a fan of Merlot and this is pretty good https://casemates.com/forum/topics/hook--ladder-merlot
2019 Pedroncelli Merlot ($165) Excellent Merlot but a pretty big jump in price from the 2018 ($140) but I guess that’s just the way things are going overall https://casemates.com/forum/topics/pedroncelli-merlot
I’ll end with Halcón Vineyards Syrah Duo ($230) I think this is one of the lowest QPR wines I’ve bought on here. It’s not bad but I didn’t think it was worth the price. https://casemates.com/forum/topics/halcn-vineyards-syrah-duo
@knotworking @luvbergevinlane Rereading what I wrote in the sober light of day (and I don’t see a way to edit the original comment), it comes off a little harsh. I (and I’m sure everyone else on here) very much appreciates all of the wineries participating here. I also realize there are many factors leading to price increases (I image the shipping costs are probably double what they were just a couple years ago). I’m sure a lot of the price increase is just current economics (my company, in a completely unrelated field, is also drastically increasing prices). Also, the screw tops may have an affect on how I perceive the taste. I make an effort to not let that happen but I do think there’s a chance it does. And I like screw tops - they’re much more convenient. But, I think there’s something in the back of my head that says “screw tops = less quality” even though I know that’s not the case.
Ultimately, a big Thank You to Bergevin Lane for making/selling your wine here and also participating in the forums!
@evmc Your list of wines is super helpful, thank you!
2017 Bergevin Lane Moonspell CS
Upon opening and seeing the 2017, I checked the cellar and I still have the 2014, 2015, and 2016 so this can be added to the vertical. Unfortunately I did not do the full vertical tasting for the rattage.
Upon pnp, lovely nose. Dark fruits and a hint of pepper. I poured in the glass and let sit approx 30/45 minutes before tasting. First taste gave way to those same dark fruits, but now it was dark cherry and blackberry with a touch of spice with a distinct acid backbone, but not harsh. Tannins were present, not much heat. Big and bold. Paired with Jasper Hill Farm cider-washed Willoughby and that was fantastic. The acidity in the wine completely disappeared by the acidity in the cheese. Next pairing was Manchego. Another winner. Same bite in the cheese that paired well.
Day two, nose was a little softer, still lovely, and the flavor profile had not changed.
Overall I enjoyed the wine. I would give this another five years or plenty of air. If drinking now, my preference is with strong foods. A few more years may allow for further integration and lend itself to a drink-without-food designation.
A big Thank You to Bergevin Lane and everyone at WCC.
@chefjess
Thanks for the excellent Rattage- we really are enjoying this wine and reports from the tasting room are that our visitors are loving it. and reminder to self: buy the good cheese! YUM
I was lucky enough to try this the day after it was opened – @chefjess and I have split cases of previous vintages and the She-Devil; I’ve been a big fan of these since and this one kept the story going. Nose had definite dark fruit, and a hint of meatiness to it - each sip had vanilla and cedar, tobacco leaves, and a smooth silkiness. For sure has plenty of room to grow and age but I was quite fine with it on its own. While the price is a little higher this time (I think there may have been less cases produced?), absolutely well worth the case still.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Bergevin Lane Moonspell Cabernet Sauvignon - $25 = 11.10%
Earlier this week I had a bottle of the 2016 Moonspell Cab, and told myself to add this to the autobuy list. I can’t comment on the need for the price increase, but I can say you’ll be hard pressed to find a nicer Cab for the case price of $16.67 per bottle.
@mrn1 thanks for the kind words and the “perspective” … We do feel like even with a price increase that this wine at this price has a wonderful QPR. We appreciate all the feedback!
I got the 2016 and love it. If I had any room left I’d be in even with the increase. I still have a lot of it left and opened one a few weeks ago. This really needs at least an hour decant, and is a wonderful wine.
@Springbank Thanks for the kind words and for letting us know how the '16 is holding up… sadly, we are all out!
This winemaker is highly understated. Solid wines.
@winesnob appreciate that! it “takes a village” sometimes lol
Passing on the cab, bring back the she devil Syrah!
Killer juice on the dime.
Just popped & poured the '15.
It’s delicious. Lots of flavor, lots of
fruit, very well integrated. Enough
tannin to make itself known.
If you’re on the fence…Jump!
@FritzCat awesome, thanks for the report- sadly we are out of the '15 and the little bit in the library we’re trying to hold for a later vertical. SO glad you enjoyed it!
MEALS! DEALS! EELS! AWESOME!
@luvbergevinlane @tastebud Ok, I probably shouldn’t have said “ouch” above… the way I see it that 2014 was such a damn great screaming deal it screwed you up for just offering damn great deals… ha! Had a 2014 a week or so ago, drinking great and will for some time to come my humble…
@kaolis
thanks - it’s all good - we love y’all, and we love that y’all mostly 
us 
cheers! and thanks for being a steadfast Casemates supporter!
Ok not much for all the fancy wine terms here, but it was delicious and I drank it with a cheeseburger. I can’t wait to keep an eye on whatever else comes up from this winery. Was it pricey sure but what isn’t these days, everyone has bills to pay. From a non snobby wine drinker it was smooth and delicious.