Since we started cataloguing wines last March, it has been quite a process to keep track of which wines I have posted to Decanting Monterey and which I haven’t, as well as all those wines that don’t fit the “Central Coast” criteria! The Bernardus Pinot Noir in today’s post slipped through the cracks – we’ve actually had this wine three times, so you are benefiting from my most mature review! I am highlighting it today, along with a couple of my favorites Marinus wines.
2014 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#42*)
About the Soberanes Vineyard: “The Soberanes Vineyard, located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, builds upon a tradition of high quality hand-winegrowing. Working together again, the Pisoni and Franscioni families, whose friendship spans three generations and are known for the Pisoni, Garys’, Rosella’s and Sierra Mar Vineyards, have an additional vineyard site to explore.” 38 acres, 27 acres of Pinot Noir.
Wine Enthusiast – 91 Points: “Cranberry juice, touches of juniper and muddy-soil notes arise on the nose of this bottling from a popular vineyard in the region. The earthy palate combines a line of beet juice with clay, turned earth, black plum and dried pine needles, framed by chalky tannins.” Matt Kettmann, 3/2017 Drink through 2027. (The 2018 vintage is the current release, which lists for $70 and is rated 94 points!)
My Review: Garnet in color. Cassis and tobacco on the nose. Mid-to-full bodied, with cassis, plum, eucalyptus and tobacco notes on the palate. Lingering raspberry with a touch of bitterness. This is a big wine – even this non-Pinot fan like this Pinot Noir. January 2021
About Marinus from Bernardus: “Our Marinus vineyard in upper Carmel Valley is planted with the five traditional red Bordeaux varietals. It is divided into small blocks per grape variety, exposure and soil type. Each block has its own unique terroir and is farmed and hand harvested at peak ripeness to maximize quality.
“In recent years, our Vineyard Manager Matt Shea and Winemaker Dean DeKorth have been busy refurbishing the Marinus vineyard with spectacular results…”
2012 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $75 (#243*)
From the Label: “Our California grown Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc. Petit Verdot and Malbec grapes from our Vineyards in the upper Carmel Valley. The Marinus Estate vineyard was chosen for its rare joining of varied soils and sunny inland climate moderated by a marine influence-ideal conditions for the production of Bordeaux varieties. Taste A Dream.”
Wine Enthusiast Review – 92 points: “One of the winery’s most celebrated releases each year, this blend of all five major Bordeaux red varieties is an excellent showcase of Carmel Valley’s class. Freshly squeezed blackberry and blackcurrant fruit meet with beef char, charcoal and dried lilacs on the nose. The palate tastes of lava rocks, dark chocolate, fresh boysenberries, dried mint and beef jerky, all woven together with a touch of smoke.” 90 points. Matt Kettmann, February 2017
My Review: Dense, dark red, garnet in color. Black fruits on the nose with deep blackberry and leather. A mouthful of dark, dense fruit. Leather, pepper and licorice on the finish. This Cabernet Sauvignon-driven wine is best enjoyed decanted. August 2020
2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#244*)
Winemaker Notes: “The 2013 Signature Marinus represents a selection of the best barrels from the best lots in 2013. It is both elegant, yet very powerful, exhibiting wonderfully intense aromas of ripe cranberry, black cherry and plums accented by spicy notes of cedar. The palate exhibits intense candied red cherry and cranberry flavors with hints of spice, supported by a beautifully long, well-structured finish. Our 2013 Signature Marinus demonstrates the superb quality of the Marinus Vineyard, with the ripe fruit flavors of California matched with the excellent ageing potential of the finest wines of Bordeaux.”
My Review: This was one of the first Marinus Signature series wines I got to know well from our many visits to Bernardus. When we finally figured out we could be “Marinus only” members, we jumped at the chance. This is a big, smooth, rich wine, full of yummy berry flavors and a nice finish. Remains one of my very favorites. December 2020
Bernardus is open for curbside pick up Monday through Friday 10-4 and just started back up patio tastings Wednesday through Friday as of 2/10! Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021 for a wine tasting appointment. Please read more HERE.
*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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