Bernardus, Monterey County Chardonnay, Sta Lucia Highlands, California, 2022

Overview of the Wine
Widely traveled and endowed with impeccable taste, Founder Bernardus (Ben) Pon could have chosen anywhere in the world to establish his namesake Bernardus Winery, with the intention of cultivating premier class wines. He selected Carmel Valley, with its west-facing orientation, hot days and chilly nights, and stunning beauty, confident his vineyards there could produce wines to rival the greatest on the globe. More than a quarter-century later, he accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. 

Fortunately for wine lovers and fans of Bernardus, Mr. Pon also had the foresight nearly 20 years ago to open the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, purchasing and converting the former Bank of America building into a venue for sipping and learning. Today, the Village is home to more than 20 tasting rooms. The Bernardus Tasting Room not only offers wines for tasting and purchase, but a beautiful and sunny outdoor patio, a private room suitable for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.

Winemaker
Bernardus (Ben) Pon

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay 

Origin
Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Our Monterey County Chardonnay is as embled from specially selected vineyards, primarily in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations . Each selected vineyard contributes unique aromas and flavors creating a Chardonnay of extraordinary character and finesse. At Bernardus we follow traditional Burgundian methods to create a Chardonnay of the highest quality . At harvest, all our grapes are hand harvested after careful evaluation for ripeness . The grapes are then gently pressed to obtain the highest quality juice. All of our Chardonnay undergoes a malo-lactic fermentation, and our barrel s are hand stirred every two week s until shortly before blending and bottling.

The Bernardus 2022 Monterey Chardonnay exhibits aromas of mango, apple and vanilla. The pallet has focused flavors of melon, tropical fruits and peach with hints of citrus . The finish is supported by a crisp acidity, this wine is a great example of a refreshing and modern California Chardonnay .

Vineyard Appellations : Arroyo Seco 64% Santa Lucia Highlands 29% Carneros 6% Carmel Valley 1% Coopers : Sirugue Billon and Trust, 23% new oak

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast
This twist-top, countywide blend offers an accessible lens to enjoy the coastally influenced wines of this region. Aromas of honeysuckle, pear and warm pastry lead into a tightly woven palate full of Asian pear, jicama and minty lime-peel flavors.

Product size: 750ml