We decided on rather short notice to pop out to the valley in March to hunt for wines for 2 upcoming wine classes. And at the very last minute, we invited the rest of the Decanting Monterey Wine Pod to join us. We were in a bit of a time crunch, as this was dog grooming day. We tasted a Chardonnay, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a few Pinot Noirs – and got way behind schedule. I selected both the Sauvignon Blanc and the Chardonnay as options for my class, with the 2020 Sauvignon Blanc being chosen by Bernardus as the one for the class – previously presented here: https://decantingmonterey.com/decanting-monterey-heads-east-to-spread-the-word/.
Today’s relatively short post is about the other 3 wines we tasted that day. We also go to see the cute new “B” label for the Bernardus wines – part of it rebranding as a more approachable wine for all generations.
In addition, I wanted to mention that we also recently served the 2010 and 2011 vintages of Bernardus Marinus. The 2010 is still drinking extremely well and the 2011 was probably the best wine we had over a friends’ reunion weekend. These tastings validate why I continue to be a Marinus member at Bernardus!
Winery tasting notes come from their website or the tasting sheet, unless otherwise indicated.
2020 Bernardus Chardonnay, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $30 (808)
Winery Notes: “The Bernardus 2020 Monterey Chardonnay exhibits bright white fruit aromas accented by subtle oak notes. The palate is intense and beautifully focused with vibrant peach and tropical fruit flavors along with spice accents. The long finish is supported by a refreshing acidity. Another superb example of Chardonnay from Monterey County!” Over 14,000 case-equivalents were produced! You can read more here.
My Review: Golden in the glass. Delicious with a buttery nose and grilled pineapple on the palate. Butter and caramel on the finish. Two of us really liked this wine. I find it highly representative of a Monterey County Chardonnay and would like to use it in a future class. March 2022
2018 Bernardus Sierra Mar Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, $70 (809)
Winery Notes (2019 vintage): “Our 2019 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of ripe red berries accented with hints of spice. The palate is silky and elegant with flavors of red cherries and berries.” 343 case-equivalents were produced. You can read more about the 2019 vintage here.
My Review: Darker red in color. A richer nose with notes of salami and salt (sea spray). Raspberry with a little smoke on the finish. Although we aren’t huge Pinot Noir fans, we all liked this wine! March 2022
2019 Bernardus Ingrid Pinot Noir, Carmel Valley, Monterey, 14% ABV, $64 (810)
Winery Notes: “Our 2019 Ingrid’s Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes spicy, dark red fruit aromas. The wine is very intense and perfectly focused. Flavors are redolent with essences of black cherry, red berries and subtle toasty oak notes. This vintage of Ingrid’s Pinot Noir is beautifully structured allowing for several years of ageing or it can be enjoyed in its youth for its bright fruit flavors.” 313 case-equivalents were produced. You can read more here.
My Review: Berry on the nose. A lighter palate of red currant, a touch of cranberry, with pepper on the finish. We think we should have tried these two Pinot Noirs in the opposite order. March 2022
Tasting Bernardus Wines: Good news! Their tasting room, located at 5 West Carmel Valley Road, is now open every day! Finally! Hurray! From their website: “…Reservations recommended. Tasting reservations are available at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00pm for up to 12. Walk ins accepted based on availability. We offer a flight of 4 two ounce pours of our single vineyard and reserve wines for $20 per flight. Wine Club tastings are complimentary. We also have cheese and charcuterie for $29 and bottled sparkling italian water for $6. Please pre-order for groups larger than 6.” 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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