In normal times, the Bernardus tasting room is filled with members and visitors. During the pandemic, Bernardus has taken a very conservative approach to focus on winemaking while limiting even outdoor tastings – I respect that! When asked by Heather, the tasting room manager, if I would like to do a tasting when I picked up my wine shipment in early March, I jumped at the opportunity! Little did I know how solo it would be – I was the only person on their lovely patio! I felt very safe, as well as catered to! I am presenting six Bernardus wines for today’s blog.
2019 Bernardus Signature Griva Sauvignon Blanc, Arroyo Seco AVA, $25 (#285*)
Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Signature Griva bottling has aromas of grapefruit accented by mineral nuances. The beautifully rich palate exhibits bright tropical fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit zest. The 2019 version is beautifully rich, yet perfectly balanced with a gently crisp, refreshing acidity.”
My Review: Pale straw in the glass. Pineapple on the nose, nice crisp acidity on the palate with pineapple notes. I’m a fan of Griva Sauvignon Blanc, so this was a real treat. March 2021
2018 Bernardus Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $50 (#286*)
Winery Notes – 93 Points by Wine Enthusiast and Vinous: “Our 2018 Soberanes Chard exhibits aromas of ripe tropical fruits and baking spice. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity along with ripe peach flavors and toasty oak notes, which linger on its long, well textured finish.”
My Review: Golden yellow in color, grassy/buttery on the nose with caramel, gardenia, butter and alcohol on the palate. March 2021
2016 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $70 (#287*)
Winery Notes: “The 2016 Soberanes displays a beautiful ruby robe and vibrant red fruit aromas. The palate exhibits crisp flavors of ripe red cherry and raspberry with a long finish, promising an excellent future ahead.”
My Review: Ruby in the glass, Red currant and light cherry on the nose. Earth and cherry notes on the palate – cellar this wine! March 2021
2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir Rosella Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, $80 (#288*)
Winery Notes – GOLD – San Francisco Wine Competition: “The aromas beautifully express the intense red fruits so typical of the finest Pinot vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Flavors are very intense with succulent ripe red cherries and cranberries, along with subtle notes of French oak. Our 2017 iteration is a superb expression of this unique vineyard.”
My Review: Ruby in color with a nice, cherry nose. Bigger palate of cherry/berry flavors with delicious dark and red fruit on the finish. March 2021
2017 Bernardus Cabernet Sauvignon, Marinus Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, $50 (#289*)
Winery Notes: “Our 2017 Cabernet exudes spicy aromas of red berry and cranberry. The palate beautifully reflects the aromas showing juicy red fruit flavors with a subtle, refreshing acidity. Our Cabernet has been aged for six months in 28-year-old neutral French oak tanks in order to allow the fruit flavors of these grapes to shine through without any oak barrel influence.”
My Review: Dense, dark ruby like the 2014 Marinus. Cherry notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate – slightly vegetal on the finish. Very drinkable now, but recommend cellaring. March 2021
2014 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.3% ABV, $75 (#290)
Winery Notes – 93 Points by Vinous: “The robe of our 2014 Marinus is very deeply-colored. The aromas exude beautifully ripened red fruits accented by subtle spice notes. The mouthfeel is very soft and full expressing delicious flavors of ripe cherry and plum. The finish is well structured with soft tannins promising a long life for this superb bottle, similar to a fine Bordeaux.”
My Review: Beautiful dense, dark ruby in the glass. Intense fruit on the nose. Smooth palate full of dark berry fruits, a bit chalky yet fresh. Drinking so well with lots of future for cellaring. I could just keep drinking this wine. March 2021
The tasting room is closed until May 1, while the staff focuses on winemaking. You can order wines on line and pick them up at the tasting room. Check here for more information.
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
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