Wine pickup = another opportunity to taste Bernardus wines! This time I convinced my better half to come with me. We always enjoy comparing the various vintages of Marinus Bordeaux-style blends. I love how the 2014 vintage is tasting – that is the wine I have a case of in DC, while we wait for in-person classes to resume. On this late May day, we did their regular tasting menu first, including a single varietal Merlot from the Marinus Vineyard! I believe this is a first for Bernardus. As explained to me by Philip, founder Ben Pon resisted such a bottling until this vintage. This is very exciting news and another sign that Merlot is back! I won’t repeat wines I have reviewed before and winery notes contained here are from the Bernardus website.
2019 Bernardus Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.4 ABV, $50 (#369*)
Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Soberanes Chard exhibits aromas of baked apple and crème fresh. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity showing ripe white fruit flavors accented by subtle buttery oak notes, which linger beautifully on its soft, full finish.” Wente clone of Chardonnay. 100% French oak, 43% new. 331 cases produced.
My Review: Pale golden in the glass. Buttery citrus on the nose, very buttery, well rounded and a touch of caramel on the palate with citrus peel notes on the finish. Classic oaky, buttery Chardonnay. At 14.4% alcohol, it is a big, flavorful wine. May 2021
2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir Garys’ VIneyard Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.2% ABV, $80 (#370*)
Winery Notes: “The aromas of our 2018 Garys’ Pinot show beautifully complex notes of ripe red fruits, spice and mineral notes – so typical of this outstanding vineyard. The palate is full and intense, with flavors mirroring the aromas extending throughout its gentle finish.” 338 6-packs produced.
Wine Enthusiast – 93 points: “Concentrated yet expertly ripe aromas of boysenberry, black cherry and purple flowers are wrapped in toasty oak on the nose of this bottling. Full-throated flavors of red cherry and red plum are enhanced by crushed oregano, white pepper and sage on the palate, where oak rises on the finish.” Matt Kettmann 12/2020
My Review: Translucent ruby in color. Garys’ Vineyard has the reputation for producing exceptional fruit – this is a top of the line Pinot Noir – definitely worth trying if you get to the tasting room! May 2021
2019 Bernardus Merlot, Marinus Vineyard, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $50 (#371)
Winery Notes: “In the glass you will see a wine of deep crimson red. The aromas show bright dark red fruit scents with subtle spice notes. The palate is very rich and soft, with flavors of dried cherries and cranberries, accented with hints of chocolate. The delicious flavors linger beautifully on the long, powerful finish. A superb Merlot!” 788 cases produced.
My Review: Dense, dark ruby like the 2014 Marinus. Cherry notes on the nose. Smooth on the palate – slightly vegetal on the finish. This is a very young wine. Drinkable now, but recommend cellaring. May 2021
According to their website, you can place your wine order on line and pick it up at the winery or have it shipped to you. The tasting room is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 11:00, 1:00 or 3:00 by reservation only for outdoor seating for 4 or fewer people. Please email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call 831-298-8021.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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