We are always delighted to show off Monterey wines and were thrilled that Bernardus rolled out the red carpet for our special guest in July. My best friend from high school, Jim, came down from The City for a quick visit – but we suggested he stay long enough for a wine tasting and dinner. On the heels of our winery tour the week prior, this was the perfect time to taste Bernardus’ current releases. Plus we wanted to try Maligne restaurant in Seaside, which had just been awarded a Bib Michelin rating! Alas, this is not a food blog – but check it out!
At Bernardus, we were greeted and served by Philip, whom we have gotten to know over the years. He made sure we had the best experience possible for our special guest. Thank you, Philip! He shared with us that Bernardus is investing in expanding its production and moving winemaking operations to a more accessible location in Arroyo Seco through its partnership with Mark Griva. We know of Griva due to the exceptional profile of his Sauvignon Blanc grapes, so we are excited to learn more about this expansion and what it will mean for Bernardus.
On this July day, we were excited to taste some finished products, albeit different vintage, of the wines we had just barrel-tasted at the winery. What a difference the final blends and bottling can make! In addition to the 10 wines we tasted that day, I’ve also included the 2014 Marinus Signature, which we took on a trip to Oregon.
THE WINES
Winery tasting notes come from conversations with the winemaker unless otherwise indicated. You can read more about Bernardus on their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone.
2021 Bernardus Rosé, Coteaux d’Aix en Provence, 12.6% ABV, $30 (#677) Grenche, Syrah, Cinsault
Winery Notes: “Bernardus has been producing a small bottling of Rosé from our local vineyards for many years. Now we are now thrilled to announce the release of our first Rosé from the Provence region of France! To that end, we have partnered with a prestigious French winery: La Coste. Bernardus is very proud to present a wine based on multi-national tasting trials: Bernardus French Rosé!
“Flavors are full and rich, redolent with light red fruits on a long smooth finish. An exceptional Rosé we know everyone will enjoy!”
My Review: Angel blush in color – almost an orange- pink rich color. Lovely bouquet. Light on front palate and robust, slightly sweet finish balanced by candied orange rind. A lovely wine. This has become our house rosé this summer. Beautiful bottle, too. July 2023
2021 Bernardus Rosé, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 12.6% ABV, $30 (#1071) Pinot Noir
Winery Notes: “The color is a very light pale salmon. The aromas are classic with delicate scents of red berries accented by floral notes. On the palate, we find crisp, fruity flavors of raspberry, kiwi and lime which linger on the refreshing finish. Our Bernardus Rosé is the perfect summer beverage, as the alcohol is a low 12.6%. Enjoy!” Wine Enthusiast – 92 points
My Review: Dusty rose in color with a soft, mellow, sweet nose. Crisp palate with cinnamon and clove notes, slightly tart. Very different from the Provençal rosé. July 2023
2021 Bernardus Chardonnay, Soberanes Vineyard, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $50 (#1072)
Winery Notes: “Our 2021 Soberanes Chardonnay exhibits aromas of ripe white fruits, floral notes with hints of vanilla. The palate exhibits its hallmark richness and intensity showing ripe peach and yellow cherry flavors accented by subtle baking spices. The full, soft finish is long and lingering.” Wine Enthusiast – 91 points
My Review: Yellow in glass. Buttery nose with citrus notes. carrying over to the palate. Buttery and a touch sweet. I would put ice in this wine. July 2023
2021 Bernardus Chardonnay, Sierra Mar Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $50 (#1073)
Winery Notes: “On the nose we find beautiful aromas of ripe white fruits with hints of caramel. The luscious palate exhibits flavors of ripe peaches, tangerine, and white cherry fruits, accented with subtle toasty oak notes. The texture is crisp yet rich, extending through a beautifully long, finely focused finish.
“This is a superb example of one of California’s finest vineyards!” Wine Spectator – 93 points
My Review: Caramel and lean notes on the nose. Palate finishes with some bitterness. Very different from the 2022 barrel samples we blended at the winery! July 2023
2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $80 (#1074)
Winery Notes: “Seductive, with gently mulled plum and boysenberry fruit flavors gliding through atop licorice, sweet spice and bramble hints. Ends with a swirl of black tea around the fruit. Drink now through 2026. 231 cases made. – J.M.” Wine Spectator – 91 points
My Review: A pretty, bright red ruby color. Bright cherry and raspberry nose. Bright fruit on palate with some complexity on the palate. A lighter Pinot Noir. July 2023
2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $80 (#1075)
Winery Notes: “This has a nice rich feel, with crushed raspberry and boysenberry preserves underscored by hints of mulling spices and red tea. The finish is carried by understated juicy energy as the fruit plays out. Drink now through 2025. 446 cases made. – J.M.” Wine Spectator – 91 points
My Review: Darker ruby and a little cloudy in appearance. A darker, jammier nose. Cocoa and jam on the palate. Heavier. More complex. I like this wine. July 2023
2018 Bernardus Marinus Signature Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $125 (#1076)
Winery Notes: “The 2018 vintage is a stunning wine, exemplifying the superb potential of this unique vineyard. The gorgeous aromas exhibit dark red stone fruits with notes of violets and spice. The flavors are deep and very intense, with cedar, black cherry, cranberry, and boysenberry fruit essences on a long, velvety finish.”
My Review: Jammy nose packed with big berry notes with herbal (rosemary) notes. Structured, tannic palate with hints of sandalwood. Tasty now, but it is way too soon to be drinking this big wine. Cellar for a few more years! And then enjoy! July 2023
2018 Bernardus Marinus Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, $75 (#1077)
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: Deep garnet. Dark berry fruit on the nose. Complex with Cab driven palate. Solid tannins on the finish. This will be a great wine. March 2023
2015 Bernardus Marinus Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.4% ABV, $75 (#1078)
Winery Notes: “The robe of our 2015 is a deep ruby-red. The aromas exhibit scents of candied cranberry and plum, accented with baking spices. The flavors are intense and well-structured insuring a long bottle ageing potential, much like a fine Bordeaux.” Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Uncorked! Awarded TOP RED WINE! Wine Enthusiast – 92 points
My Review: Dark berry, cherry and caramel notes with at first hints of barnyard and hay on the nose. Earthy palate of dark fruits. Much more of a big cab style wine. We like it. July 2023
2014 Bernardus Marinus Signature Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $125 (#1079)
We took this wine on a road trip to Oregon and opened it during our last dinner at XXX restaurant. At dinner, we did not take tasting notes. So this was recreated from our memories of this fine wine.
Winery Notes: N/A
My Review: Rich, brimming with dark berries across an intense and smooth palate, with a very lovely finish. This was perhaps the most wonderful Signature we have ever tasted. Exceptional. June 2023
2013 Bernardus Marinus Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey, 14.1% ABV, $75 (#157)
Winery Notes: “The robe of our 2013 Marinus is a very deep crimson. On the nose we find dried cranberry aromas accented by subtle spice notes. The palate is intensely flavored with impressions of bright red cherry and plum.
“The finish shows excellent tannic structure promising a long life for this vintage of Marinus, much like that of a fine Bordeaux.”
My Review: Inky, purple in color. Lovely dark fruit on the nose like plum, prune and cassis – delightful. The palate is wow. Inky, dark, rich with a slightly bitter finish perhaps reflecting the alcohol? July 2023
WHERE TO TASTE
Tasting Bernardus Wines: As of this writing, their tasting room, located at 5 West Carmel Valley Road, is open daily! Reservations are not required but encouraged!: Sunday- 12:00pm to 4:00pm, Monday- 12:30pm to 4:00pm, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday – 11:00am to 4:00pm, Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 5:00pm. You can see more information and book a tasting here or email tastingroom@bernardus.com or call them at 831-298-8021.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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