By Bernardus
2018 Monterey Chardonnay

Wine Details
Vineyard Appellations: Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands
Coopers: Sirgue, Billon, and Trust; 33% new barrels
Bottled: July 23rd - August 16th, 2019

Vineyard
Our Monterey County Chardonnay is assembled from specially selected vineyards, primarily in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations. Each vineyard contributes unique aromas and flavors, creating a Chardonnay of extraordinary character and finesse.

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

Tasting Notes
Our 2018 Monterey Chardonnay exhibits bright white fruit aromas accented by caramel and subtle toasty oak notes. The palate is beautifully focused, with vibrant peach and tropical fruit flavors supported by refreshing acidity. An extraordinary example of Chardonnay from Monterey County!
[Information provided by Matador Vino]

2018 Chardonnay
Producer: Bernardus Winery
Place of Origin: United States
Color: White
Grape/Blend: Chardonnay
Rating: 90
Drinking Window: 2020 - 2024
From: 2018 Santa Lucia Highlands: What a Difference a Year Makes (Oct 2020)
Reviewed By: Josh Raynolds on September 2020
Vivid yellow. Nectarine, pineapple and pear nectar on the nose, along with hints of vanilla and ginger. Fleshy and open-knit, offering juicy tropical and pit fruit flavors sharpened by a zesty lemon pith nuance. Finishes on a gently smoky note, showing good persistence and a touch of buttered toast.

Bernardus 2018 Chardonnay (Monterey County)
Rating: 89
Variety: Chardonnay
Appellation: Monterey County, Central Coast, California, US
Winery: Bernardus
Alcohol: 14.10%
Category: White
Date Published: 12/1/2020
Reviewed by: Matt Kettman
Broad aromas of poached pear, buttered apple and baked pome-fruit brioche show on the lush nose of this bottling. The palate follows suit with baked peach as the core fruit flavor, enhanced by hints of cinnamon, plenty of butter and a vanilla-caramel-laced finish.

Bernardus Chardonnay Monterey County 2018
Score: 85
Wine Type and Color: White Still
Magazine Issue: Web Only - 2020
Grape: Chardonnay
Region: California / Monterey County
Reviewed By: Kim Marcus
Oaky, with viscous white fruit and spice flavors, followed by buttered toast notes on the finish.