Tagged: Bernardus

2021 Wrap-up #2: Spanning Arroyo Seco to SLH to Carmel Valley – and a local Napa!

As promised last week, here is my catchup post of 7 Monterey County wines/vintners to close out 2021! I’ve reserved a few “fr emergency posts” and am excited about the winery visits I’ll be starting with in January! If you haven’t signed up to receive my blog by email, do so today – in the bottom right corner of this page!

Before we get started, may I ask, “What are you drinking New Year’s Eve?”  Please share in the comments below. We might be enjoying a Caraccioli Cellars Brut Rose – to be determined!

2013 Chesebro Las Arenas, Cedar Lane Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 14.6% ABV, $27 (#564*)

While I didn’t have any photos of the 2013, I hope these 2015 Las Arenas images will do!

I presented the 2016 vintage of this wine back in June.  This is one of the wines I like to present in my East Coast wine classes!

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Black raspberry, blackberry, lavender and pepper show on the deeply purple nose of this blend of 67% Grenache and 33% Syrah. Dense black fruit shows first on the palate, followed by a zesty explosion of acidity, flowery spices and cola.” Matt Kettmann, 12/2016

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Anise and berries on the nose. Berries, cherry and leather on the palate with lingering anise flavors. August 2021

2016 Rombi Petite Sirah, Napa Valley, $75 (#565*)

Sal Rombi had recommended his club members open one of his Petite Sirahs as it was drinking beautifully.  We opened this one by mistake, but it was a very happy mistake! I include this wine here since Sal is one of our local vintners!

My Review: Very dark ruby, almost purple in the glass.  Plum and blueberry on the nose.  Rich on the palate brimming with smooth dark fruits:  blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry and a touch of smoke.  This is fruity yet elegant, smooth and rich, with a little tobacco on the finish.  Very pleased with how these wines have matured! September 2021

2020 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, 12.3% ABV, $28 (#566*)

From the Bernardus Website: “All our Sauvignon Blanc grapes come from a block specially planted for Bernardus in the Griva Vineyard with the celebrated “Musqué” clone. All our grapes are hand-picked during many successive pickings at various ripeness levels in order to have a broad palette of flavors and acidity levels from which to create our final blend…

“Tasting notes:  Our 2020 Griva bottling shows aromas of lime zest accented by grassy notes. The palate is soft and long, exhibiting crisp fruit flavors with notes of lime and grapefruit. Our 2020 version exhibits a beautiful balance of rich texture and a gently crisp, refreshing acidity.” 10,550 cases produced

My Review: Quite pale in color.  Fresh, tropical notes on the nose – honeysuckle and white nectarine.  Smooth, tropical flavors of papaya and gentle pineapple with bright acidity and a lime zest twist on the finish.  We liked this wine so much that I brought a couple of bottles home – it remains a favorite! October 2021

2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $80 (#567*)

From the Bernardus Website: “The Santa Lucia Highlands are known as one of the premier Pinot Noir appellations of the world. One reason for this lofty reputation is Rosella’s Vineyard, one of the finest Pinot and Chardonnay vineyards in California. Gary Franscioni planted his home ranch, named for his lovely wife, in the heart of the Highlands. His home vineyard is planted with a selection of the best available Pinot Noir clones and farmed with unparalleled passion and attention to detail. We at Bernardus are fortunate to have access to three small blocks: 2 planted with clone 777, and the third with the celebrated Pisoni clone.

“Our 2018 Rosella’s Pinot displays gorgeous aromas of ripe red fruits along with notes of cola and toasty oak. The palate is beautifully lush, exhibiting bright ripe red cherry and plum flavors, accented by subtle hints of spice.” 93 points – Vinous. 866 6-packs produced

My Review: Bright ruby in the glass.  Nice mellow cherry and cedar on the nose.  Oak (structured tannins) on the palate – dark cherry and berries (slightly sweet fruit) with leather on the finish.  Very good. October 2021

2018 Boëté Reserve Merlot, Carmel Valley, 14% ABV, $50 (#568*)

During one of our visits to the winery this year, we got to taste this wine – the first time I know of that they bottled a Merlot as a single varietal – it usually is blended in their popular Cheval Rouge.  They weren’t sure they were going to continue to bottle it alone – we encourage them to do so, *if* supply permits! You can find all their available wines here:  https://www.boetewinery.com/

My Review: Purple in the glass.  Rich and juicy in the mouth with some solid dark fruits, blackberry and black currant.  Balanced and very smooth on the finish.  This wine is a big hit.  I just bought more of it!  October 2021

2017 Spring Cabernet Franc, Carmel Valley, 14.34% ABV, $35 (#569*) 86% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon

We opened this wine just after my recent, big post about their amazing wines.

From the Bunter Spring Winery Website: “This wine is from a historic organic vineyard in the hills high above the Carmel River.  The AVA gives a distinct and recognizable character to its fruit, something midway between Napa and Paso Robles- which is exactly where it is! Super ripe red fruit flavors with a whiff of lavender and spice.”  20 months in French and American oak barrels, 50% new.

My Review: Blueberry and blackberry on the nose and palate.  Smooth and perfectly balanced.  I really was impressed by this Cab Franc and hope we can get some more! November 2021

2017 Silvestri Red Ranger Estate Syrah, Carmel Valley, 15% ABV, $75 (#570*)

I couldn’t find any notes about the 2017 vintage, but I did review the 2018 here: https://decantingmonterey.com/moving-on-inside-for-a-tasting-at-silvestri/.

My Review: Deep purple in color. Dark fruit on the nose. A bit heavy handed dark fruit upon opening with a tobacco finish. Smoother after it opened up, rounding into blackberry and plum with a touch of mint on the dark fruit palate. Some clove on the finish. Paired very well with dark chocolate. I think it is still too young to drink this wine and we should have decanted it. November 2021

“Monterey-South Wine Class” – What does it even mean?

When my DC virtual wine class picked the theme of “Monterey-South,” even I wasn’t sure what that meant.  They further clarified “Monterey County or south of Monterey.”  Perfect!  Right up my alley!  We hunted through our wine room and found a Pierce Ranch Graciano. I’ve presented Pierce Ranch a couple of times here – you can simply search “Pierce Ranch” to find them. The wines selected by my friends came from Monterey County and Paso Robles.

I tried to capture notes from my friends’ presentations for inclusion to show the breadth of wines randomly chosen. One member lamented that he couldn’t really find in Washington DC any of the Rhone Ranger wines.  I told him he would have to come visit here and find them at the wineries!

While this was a unique way to share these Central Coast wines, I didn’t get to taste any except the Graciano. Therefore, you might see them pop up again later in this blog!

2019 Mer Soleil Chardonnay Reserve, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $28

My friends presented this Chuck Wagner wine, now made by his son, Charlie. 

Winemaker Notes from wine.com: “A lively flaxen gold, this wine features a harmonious nose that previews the playful balance to come on the palate. Scents of brown spice, toasted almonds, custard and light oak mingle with Meyer lemon zest, honeysuckle and a hint of apricot. Entry is round, as the wine’s fruit and natural acidity build on each other, with echoes of brown spice, citrus and apricot enveloped in a creamy texture. A vibrant finish of lemon/lime showcases the distinctly bright acidity produced from the Monterey coast, leaving an enticing freshness that prepares the palate for another sip.” Wine.com – 91 points.

My Friend’s Review: Viscous in the glass. Nice, not overly oaky.  The oak is there and adds depth to the taste without being detracting. Pear and apple on the nose, peach and a little caramel. Nicely balanced with good acidity. Can’t say the flavor profile is bold but harmonious. August 2021

2017 Chamisal Vineyards Chardonnay, Monterey County, 15.3% ABV, $24

While the Chamisal Vineyard and winery is located in Edna Valley, the fruit for this wine comes from Monterey County! 

Winemaker’s Notes from wines.com : “Toasted oak and crème brûlée. Fruit driven with lemon cream, Fuji apple, ripe pineapple, and baked pears. Rich and creamy with lingering acidity, broad texture and finishing clean.”

The Wine Advocate – 91 points: “The 2017 Chardonnay Monterey County opens with notes of gunflint and toast over baked apples, yellow pears, popcorn and a tropical tinge. The palate is medium-bodied and rounded with an über spicy, fresh fruit profile lifted by mouthwatering acidity, and it finishes long and toasty. This has an appealing yin-yang of savory and bright citrus character.” Erin Brooks, 6/2020

2019 Carol Shelton Coquille Blanc, Paso Robles, 13.5% ABV, $26  40% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 25% Viognier, 10% Marsanne

About the 2019 Coquille Blanc: “Exotic nose of spicy pears and white peaches, almond paste/marzipan, a touch of honeysuckle perfume. Multi-dimensional (many layers), a hard-to-describe range of aromatics, intriguing, almost mysterious! In the mouth it is crisply dry yet creamy and round and full-bodied, with nice almond paste on crisp-yet-juicy pear fruit.”

My Friend’s Review: Yellow in color.  More minerality on the palate than fruit and a touch acidic on the palate.  Really brings the Paso/Central Coast terroir.  Complex – but not robust. 

2016 Bernardus Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, 14.5% ABV, $75/$22 WTSO

About the 2016 Soberanes Pinot Noir: “Santa Lucia Highlands’ two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys’ Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting vineyard. We have chosen two Pinot clones: the celebrated Pisoni clone and Dijon clone 667. 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.”

Wine Enthusiast – 91 points: “Elegantly earthy on the nose, this bottling starts with aromas of pomegranate, rose petals and dried herbs. The palate is quite tart with flavors of sour Montmorency cherry, and the savory dusting of herbs and baked earth balances the sip.” Matt Kettmann, 12/2018

My Friend’s Review: As Cameron Hughes might say, a “Cabernet lovers Pinot Noir” with big bold flavors and a dark garnet hue. An exceptional Pinot Noir, comparing well to a 2012 Lucienne we all tasted in person together in June.  He got the wine for $22 in a complex WTSO BOGO sale. 

2017 Pierce Ranch Graciano, San Antonio AVA, 14.8% ABV, $30 (#432*)

My friends wanted to know what a Graciano tasted like – I could think of no direct comparison.  I looked up the grape and found this information:  I found this Vinodiversity article: “A naming mess: The original variety is Spanish and is named Graciano in its homeland the Northern Spanish Ebro Valley and Navarra. It is grown in the Jerez region of southern Spain under the name Tintilla de Rota. Graciano is used in France under the name Morrastel. But the Spanish use the variety called Mourvedre (or Mataro in Australia) under the name Morrastel. To add to the confusion the Portuguese variety Tinta Miuda is now known to be to be the same variety. Not to be outdone the Californians grow Graciano under the name Xeres.”

And, if that wasn’t confusing enough, here’s a Matt Kettmann article about mislabeled Graciano vines akin to the Melon de Bourgogne story I recently shared. What a mess. And it doesn’t taste like Mourvèdre at all!

About the 2017 Pierce Graciano: “Perched in a highland valley at the southern tip of Monterey County, our vineyards, with their wide variation in diurnal temperature and rocky soils, provide an excellent setting for the classic grape varieties of Spain and Portugal. A standout among these is certainly Graciano, a native of Spain’s famed Rioja region. Estate-grown in the calcareous rock and shale-rich loam of our Home Ranch Vineyard, the 2017 vintage is a medium-bodied wine with dark, rounded fruit and a solid tannic structure. A limited-run bottling, it was fermented in small lots and aged in French oak for 15 months. Blackberry and black cherry combine with hints of shale and thyme.”

My Review: Garnet in the glass. Pomegranate and cranberry on the nose. Cherry and licorice on the palate with tobacco and vanilla notes. We enjoyed this wine for several days. August 2021

2018 J. Lohr Pure Paso Proprietary Red, Paso Robles, 14.5% ABV, $25 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah, 2% Malbec

Winemaker’s Notes: “Savory varietal notes of Cabernet Sauvignon are layered with the dark fruit and spice character of Petite Sirah. The bouquet of cocoa powder, caramel, and anise works in harmony with the black cherry fruit signature of this wine. Bright and focused on the palate with a firm and appetizing finish.” 93 points – Wine Enthusiast Editors’ Choice. 

*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.    

© Decanting Monterey 2023

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Bernardus Marinus: “Taste a Dream”

I was surprised to find a half bottle of the Bordeaux-style 2007 Marinus open in our wine room. Whenever we are in the valley, we stop by Bernardus to taste some wines and check out their sales. I knew we had purchased half bottles of the smoky 2008 Marinus, but had no idea we had some 2007!  What a treat in a tiny bottle!  Marinus achieves Ben Pon’s dream of making a quality Bordeaux blend wine from Carmel Valley.  It is among my very favorite Carmel Valley (and, to be frank, Monterey County and Central Coast) wines. I don’t have the blend for this vintage, but the 2009 was 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 11% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc. The back of the label also mentions Malbec!

2007 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.2% ABV, $112 (release price $36)  (#397*)

About the Marinus Vineyard: “Bernardus owns 210 acres in the Cachagua region of the upper Carmel Valley on two sites. The Marinus vineyard comprises 36 acres. Of the 36 acres, 25 acres are planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, 9 acres to Merlot, 1 acre to Cabernet Franc and 1 acre to Petit Verdot. Carmel Valley is surrounded by the ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cachagua Valley is a sun-trap, a “bowl” in a high elevation that is shielded from the coastal fog and ideal for growing Bordeaux-style grapes. The daily temperatures vary from over 100° F. during the day to 50° F. during the night. The geographic “bowl” effect traps the heat during the day while elevation and ocean proximity produce cool nights. This unique microclimate creates a prolonged growing season allowing full flavor development of the fruit while on the vine. Marinus vineyard soils are varied. They range from clay loam to sandy loam. The vineyard is divided into 15 diverse “blending blocks” each producing grapes with distinct and varied flavors.”

Wine Enthusiast – 90 points: “Another successful Marinus from this small Monterey County appellation. Made from all five classic Bordeaux varieties, it’s dry and rich in blackberries, black currants, crème de cassis and cedar, and is more rough in tannins than your typical Napa Cabernet blend. Drink now–2013.”  12/2010

My Review: Super dark ruby in the glass. Cassis on the nose. Super smooth on the palate, bursting with black fruit, a little chalky. This was extremely delicious and drinking well – beyond expecation! June 2021

While this is in general sold out, K&L Wine Merchants held a recent auction of 6 full bottles which sold for $150!

Ordering and Tasting Bernardus Wines: 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.    

Bernardus: Marinus, Marinus, Marinus, Merlot???

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.    

Bernardus: A Perfect Solo Tasting of the 2021 Spring Release

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.

The expansive Bernardus patio is perfect for outdoor tastings!

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

First class service at my solo tasting!

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)

I will be presenting this wine in a future, live WWCS class!!

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 Bernardus Tasting Room will undergo a remodeling – This last reminder that this building was originally a bank is set to go.

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.    

Bernardus: Let’s Celebrate the Tasting Room Reopening with Three Great Wines!

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. 

Marinus Collection Chez Nous!

“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*) 

2012 Bernardus Marinus

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*)

2013 Bernardus Signature Marinus

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

Patio Tasting Is Open by Reservation!!

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.    

What Central Coast Wines Did You Enjoy over the Holidays?

I hope you enjoyed your holidays and tried some new wines or revisited familiar favorites. I would love to hear from you: Which Central Coast wines did you open over the holidays and how were they? Please comment below!

Our traditional dinner table had far fewer place settings than usual. We also experienced new ways to celebrate – socially distant around a beautiful, warm fire on a chilly Monterey Bay night.

We enjoyed wines from around the world – France, Italy, Washington, Napa, Carmel Valley, Santa Cruz Mountains and Paso Robles.

Here are the Central Coast wines we tasted over the holidays (reviews to come!):

In addition to some of our favorite big reds from Carmel Valley, we branched out and tried some new brands from Paso Robles and the Santa Cruz Mountains!

  • 2011 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley, with our Christmas dinner
  • 2018 Samuel Louis Smith Syrah, Santa Cruz Mountains
  • 2007 Parsonage Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmel Valley on New Year’s Eve
  • 2006 Bear Cave Cellars Reserve Syrah, Paso Robles, also on New Year’s Eve

And, once again, which Central Coast wines did you open over the holidays – what did you think of them? I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy New Year!

Bernardus: Creating “wines that flatter the palate and stimulate the imagination”

Bernardus has one of the nicest tasting rooms in the valley – we would always stop in to taste their wines and see what was on sale.  They kept telling us we should join their club, but we are very specific in the wines we like to buy.  One day, I realized they had a “Marinus only” club and we joined immediately.  In addition to lovely allocations of Marinus wines, we have reaped many benefits from private tastings to winemaker dinners since we joined.  I exposed you to their wines back in July: Bernardus 2010 Marinus and Parrot Ranch 2005.  Let’s dig a little deeper into the Marinus wines, among the very finest wine from Carmel Valley.

We love being members of the Bernardus Marinus-Only Club!

About Bernardus Vineyards & Winery: “The focus of Bernardus is to create wines that flatter the palate and stimulate the imagination. Founder Ben Pon appreciated wine as an art – a form of art that transcends the ordinary. His dream with Bernardus was to make a red wine equal to the finest from Bordeaux.” 

From Bernardus: “Carmel Valley is surrounded by the ridges of the Santa Lucia Mountains. Cachagua Valley is a sun-trap, a “bowl” in a high elevation that is shielded from the coastal fog and ideal for growing Bordeaux-style grapes. The daily temperatures vary from over 100° F. during the day to 50° F. during the night…Marinus vineyard soils are varied. They range from clay loam to sandy loam…Each vintage of Marinus represents the artistic interpretation of the vineyard cultivation along with the flavor elaboration in the winemaking process. A blend of Bordeaux varitetais, Marinus is the signature Bernardus wine from the Carmel Valley estate vineyard…”

2011 Bernardus Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.1% ABV, $75 (#156*)  Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 65%, Merlot 23%, Petit Verdot 7%, Cabernet Franc 5%

The 2011 Bernardus Marinus is a Cabernet-Sauvignon-driven Bordeaux blend.

Winemaker Notes: “The robe of our 2011 Marinus is a very deeply-colored ruby-red. The aromas express beautiful red fruits accented by classic notes of cedar and spices. The delicious flavors are very dense and full, with spicy black cherry and ripe plum flavors. The finish is very well structured, promising a long life for this superb bottle, similar to a fine Bordeaux.”

Wine Enthusiast Review: “Black and white pepper, boysenberries and roasting pork notes show on the fresh and vibrant nose of this blend of the five red Bordeaux varietals. Light and lively on the palate, it offers lots of boysenberry energy, with more pepper, thyme, cardamom and tea elements. It’s a refreshing change of pace from a cool vintage.” 90 points. Matt Kettmann, April 2016

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 Marinus, Carmel Valley AVA, 14.5% ABV, $75 (#157*) Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Merlot 30%, Petit Verdot 25%, Cabernet Franc 2%:

The 2013 Marinus is a rich, smooth, and complex blend of deliciousness!

Winemaker 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 deep, dense garnet in color, this wine has a bouquet of blackberry, plum and cedar. It is rich, smooth and complex in cherry and cassis flavors, with balanced tannins revealing licorice and a touch of leather on the finish.  This wine is so delicious, I forgot to stop to taste it and simply began to enjoy it. One of the best wines we have opened lately – and perhaps my favorite Marinus vintage to date (don’t tell 2010!). September 2020

Ooh, ooh – Bernardus is reopening its Tasting Room for outdoor tastings for Wine Club Members only beginning October 8th!  By appointment only – read more HERE.

We’ve missed being able to drop in here to see what they are pouring and what’s on sale!

*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.

© Decanting Monterey 2020

Where There’s Fire, There’s More Than Smoke Taint

Billowing Smoke from the Carmel Fire Photo Courtesy of Deborah Stern

Over this past week, one fire after the other has sparked in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties, turning our sunny blue skies into a creepy gray and orange. Things are not normal. When the River Fire started burning this past Sunday, my first thought was our Santa Lucia Highland and Monterey AVA grapes all the way down the River Road Wine Trail. Alert after alert about residences being evacuated made this much more concerning and real – lives and homes at stake. When the Carmel Fire down east of Cachagua broke out on Tuesday, my worry turned to all my favorite Cachagua vintners – which I had just talked about in this blog. And to my friends who live in the valley. This fire goes well beyond smoke taint as residents, including our vintner friends, are evacuating and their wineries are being threatened of destruction. And then there is the Bonny Doon Fire up in Santa Cruz, with its evacuees sheltering in my little town and its smoke turning our skies so strange, with our sun at times appearing red. These fire threaten more than a single vintage – they threaten residences – including vintners and their families, entire vineyards, wineries, inventory, and years of production. Let us hope they can be contained.

Carmel Valley Smokey Sunset Photo Courtesy of Deborah Stern

I had planned to take a moment out of regular wine reviews to talk about what happens when things don’t go right.  But I wasn’t expecting them to go so devastatingly badly.  This is a retrospective of the impact of fire and smoke of what happened to wine production when the Soberanes fire hit Big Sur in 2016.  What happened in 2016 will now look like a blip compared to what I expect will be the damage from these August 2020 fires.  I only know of one winery which sustained direct fire damage from the 2016 Soberanes Fire. 

The 2016 Soberanes Fire started in July from an illegal campfire, before the grapes were fully mature, but it kept going through October, growing to a 90,000-acre fire.  The smoke from this fire was intense throughout the region, but only a single Monterey County AVA suffered the smoke damage – Carmel Valley AVA.  I became obsessed with learning more about the impact of this fire and what steps my usual wineries took as a result. 

First, I had to discover why just Carmel Valley.  After much research, I came up with 2 primary reasons.  First, the location, with Carmel Valley just north of the fire.  Second, the Monterey Bay’s 2-mile deep Submarine Canyon.  The winds off the Monterey Bay are stronger in the other AVAs, as it goes swooping down the Salinas Valley all the way down and throughout even the most southern AVAs.  Those winds just lightly creep into Carmel Valley. 

What did the Carmel Valley wineries do?  Many wineries tossed their fruit, some bottled it anyway to capture the unique flavors, some blended smoke tainted juice with juice from another AVA and changed their maturation techniques, some only offer their smokey wine if you inquire about it in the tasting room and refuse to sell it if you haven’t tasted it – know what you are buying, or they instead sourced grapes from one of the other AVAs.

I presented a class for the Northern Virginia American Wine Society last fall and I challenged them to identify what was so different between two 2016 Syrahs – same vintage, different Monterey AVAs:  one from Arroyo Seco and one from Carmel Valley.  I didn’t tell them about the fire.  There were a lot of guesses around the room, but only Chris Pearmund, the owner/vintner of Pearmund Cellars, guessed right:  smoke.

The wines aren’t ruined – they are interesting, different.  A high-quality smoke tainted wine can still be a very good wine.  And sometimes only a discerning palate will figure out it is smoke taint.  They are surprised I can detect it on the nose or palate, saying I am especially sensitive to it – but maybe it is simply because I know it is there.  Some wines might taste a little like ham hock, while others might leave a stronger aftertaste of smoke or ash.  It doesn’t dissipate over time – it will never truly go away.  And you might appreciate the wine because it represents a moment in time when things didn’t go right, yet the winery had the guts to produce it anyway. 

As an example, we were consumers of the Bernardus Marinus 2008 because it was special.  And Parsonage boldly made their 2016 wines – either sourcing fruit differently, blending it, or maturing it in neutral oak.  Sometimes when I taste their 2016 Rocco Reserve Syrah, I notice it more – as if you are at a camp fire, roasting S’Mores.  Recently, we decanted the Rocco and barely detected any smoke taint at all – just its usual deliciousness.  And smoke taint is barely detectible – sometimes not detectible at all – in their 2016 Tanner Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Clever winemaking techniques saved these precious 2016 Parsonage Reserves

My advice is be an educated consumer – know which vintage you are drinking and which AVA your grapes are coming from if you are looking at wines from a region affected by fire.  Read the reviews, taste before buying if you can, and figure out for yourself if you like it or not.  It is all subjective!

The tasting rooms throughout the valley were just recovering from the lack of 2016 wines to pour to guests.  They were just starting to roll out their post-fire wines when they were shut down for COVID and some later reopened on an outdoor tasting/curbside pickup basis only.  While there is never a good time for a devastating fire like this, I can’t think of a worse time.  I believe everything in Carmel Valley Village and River Road down to Arroyo Seco is shut down right now.  Give our vintners some space and let’s hope and pray not everything is destroyed. 

© Decanting Monterey 2020

Just in Time for the Weekend: Carmel Valley Village Tasting Room Update!

As I started to write my first blog posts, I realized, if I am going to do a Real Wine Blog, that I need a lot more photos. It’s been kind of overcast and cool in Pacific Grove, day after day. Last weekend, I decided I would drive out to Carmel Valley Village where I would be sure to find some warmth and sunshine and could take some pictures of the tasting rooms. I was able to check out their outdoor wine tasting venues, as that’s what’s permitted here in Monterey County as of this writing. A nice warm sunny day, lots of wine flowing everywhere. Except to me – I was on a mission!

I parked in front of the former location of Mercy’s tasting room and set out on foot.  (I miss Mercy so much.) The tasting rooms in Carmel Valley Village are easily walk-able, unless you are intending to buy a lot of wine!  As you go through this list, please remember we are living in a very fluid situation right now.  If you are planning a wine tasting visit, the best option is to review the winery’s web page to see if they are open and if you need a reservation. Safety is the most important feature of each of these venues.

I began my trip with Massa Estate, 69 W. Carmel Valley Road, as it was where we started our Monterey County wine exploration way back when. It is the first tasting room as you enter the village. The owner, Laurie Massa, welcomed me in, showed me their tasting list, and allowed me to take photos of their outdoor space.  Massa has an incredible outdoor space to not only taste wine, but also for food. Local Chef Michael Jones is here with a very special menu – you can taste the wines and order a meal – or carry one out.  So many cute, outdoor tables with umbrellas – it’s just adorable here. In addition, there’s croquet in the front lawn so you can come, play, and relax. Open Saturday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Massa Estate has a cute, fun, yet elegant outdoor space.

The next winery I went to was Georis, 1 Pilot Road. We’ve always had a fondness for the brand, as Gaston Georis (Walter’s brother) once taught my husband French!  Their indoors wine tasting bar and room is very large (for better times). Their outdoor spaces are incredible for significantly socially distance tables for any sized party, even a larger, private event, as appropriate. I would feel very comfortable coming to Georis to do winetasting of primarily his great Merlots. Open daily, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Georis has the largest outdoor space with distanced tables, and a vineyard setting.

Then I walked over to Seabold, 2 Pilot Road. I am not yet familiar with Seabold, so it was a good way to meet them and see their outdoor spaces.  They have smaller outdoor tables as well as big picnic benches and the occasional late afternoon music. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m. 

Seabold: Great space and some music, too!

Cowgirl Winery, 26 Pilot Road, has incredible outdoor space for wine tasting and fun – open 11:30-5 daily.  (Sorry, I didn’t make it there to get pictures.)

Even though their wines come from elsewhere, I include Twisted Roots in my blog because of their tasting room location at 12 Del Fino Place (oh, and we enjoy their great wines).  They also have a nice outdoor setup on the side of their building open Thursday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.  Reservations suggested.

Twisted Roots has an excellent, quiet outdoor space for wine tasting!

I walked by Bunter Spring at 9 Del Fino Place, which is not doing public tastings until further notice.  Mark Bunter told me he is doing pickups by appointment, free local delivery, 20% off any six bottles, 25% off twelve bottles, and half-price shipping to CA, DC and FL only.

Bunter Spring is closed for tastings and Idle Hour is moving down the street!

Idle Hour right next door had a big sign saying they were moving in with Big Sur Vineyard’s tasting room at the end of the street.  That was welcome news to me, as collocation with Big Sur will probably result in a more constant presence than the out-of-town Idle Hour could always provide.

Big Sur Vineyards at 1 Del Fino Place was setting up as I dropped by.  Owner Lenora Carey showed me something really cool they are using for their outdoor wine tastings – wine vials that look like big test tubes called “taste tubes!”  Customers receive the flight of wines in a tube rack and pour their own when ready, improving social distancing during the tasting. Open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Big Sur Vineyards is using these cool “Taste Tubes” for a more touch-free experience!

Joullian, 2 Village Drive, is open daily 12-4 p.m. – reservations required.  They had a couple of small tables visible on their front patio.

Bernardus is still closed for in-person wine experiences due to their current focus on wine production and some virtual wine tastings.

Boekenoogen, 24 W. Carmel Valley Road, has an incredible outdoor patio, so their transition to outdoor operations was very easy.  They are open daily, 12-5 p.m.

The lovely patio was occupied, so photos will have to wait.

I’d been talking to Rombi Wines, 1 Center Street, which, like the rest of the wineries, had just set it all up for indoor operations when the order came down to move things outside.  Sal Rombi was able to create a relaxing, quiet spot to taste his big wines just in front of his tasting room.   Open Saturday-Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Rombi’s first outdoor tasting guests!

Joyce, 1 E. Carmel Valley Road, has a nice outdoor space and some great wine sales.   Reservations preferred; weekends also first come, first served.  Wednesday-Friday 12-5 p.m.  Saturday-Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Over to Albatross Ridge, 9 E. Carmel Valley Road, which showed me their outdoor space behind their tasting room – a lovely space with plenty of tables.  Sunday-Thursday 12-7 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 12-8 p.m. Reservations preferred.  They are open in Carmel-by-the-Sea, as well.

Finally, a very short walk over to the old White Oak shopping center at 19 E. Carmel Valley Road, where the rest of these tasting rooms can be found: 

We were invited several weeks ago by Parsonage to help them test-drive their indoor wine tasting procedures (they learned a lot from our visit, as we tasted EVERY wine!) – only to have to revamp their procedures and space for outdoor operations.  They have built a parklet and are able to serve several tables outdoors.  Reservation required.  Thursday-Monday 12-5 p.m.

Parklet photo courtesy of Parsonage – very clever!

Rexford Winery tasting room is closed.  For a limited time, they are offering complimentary shipping on new orders of 3 or more bottles.  Chesebro tasting room was likewise closed. 

Windy Oaks is using a couple of small tables in front of its tasting room for outdoor operations.  The staff is very welcoming.  According to their website, the Carmel Valley tasting room is open Friday-Tuesday 12-5:30 – reservations recommended. Their Carmel-by-the-Sea location is open for limited tastings Wednesday-Monday 12-6 p.m. by reservation.

 I Brand also has some small outdoor tables and is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6 and by reservation.  

These wineries are so happy to be sharing their wines with you.  I hope, if you get a chance, that you will get out to the valley and try some yourself.  Check to see if they require a reservation and confirm they are open.  It all looked good to me!  Come on out, give it a shot come out and support your local vintners.

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