Bernardus Winery - Chardonnay Monterey 2021

Tasting notes

The Bernardus Chardonnay is an outstanding example of Chardonnay from Monterey County. The aromas exhibit scents of peach and lychee accented by caramel and toasty oak notes. The palate is very rich and highly focused with vibrant tropical fruit and citrus flavors supported by a crisp acidity.

Description

The Monterey County Chardonnay is assembled 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 they follow traditional Burgundian methods to create a Chardonnay of the highest quality. At harvest, the grapes are hand-picked after careful evaluation for ripeness. The grapes are then very gently pressed in order to obtain the highest quality juice. This is then transferred to small oak barrels for fermentation. All barrels undergo a malolactic fermentation and are hand-stirred every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling.

Estate

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. The story of Bernardus Winery dates back to the 1970’s when Ben Pon used to come from his home in Holland to visit the Carmel Valley area and taste its wines. He admired the wines that the few wineries in existence then produced, believing that they signified the American version of great European wines.

USA California Monterey County