2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard

rotation

In stock

9 items available

🚚 Order today and get it shipped tomorrow

Description

chevron-down

Almost by chance, the former Dutch racing driver Ben Pon (you know from the Pon family, which is an importer of VW, Audi and Porsche) acquired a piece of land in 1989 on the Californian slopes behind Carmel Valley Village. Here he started his Bernardus Winery with the aim of producing wines that rival the greatest Bordeaux and Grand Crus.

The vineyards in the Carmel Valley are carefully planted with various grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. While the Bordeaux style varieties grow in the Carmel Valley vineyards, the Chardonnay is cultivated in cool maritime climates, namely in the Monterey Bay. Grapes from other California appellations are used to add nuances to the Bernardus blends.

The Pinot Noir grapes from the Bernardus Rosella's Vineyard come from a single vineyard (single vineyard), namely the Rosella's vineyard. These grapes were planted by current winemaker Gary Franscioni.

This Pinot Noir is full of fresh notes of cassis, black raspberry, toasted spices and violets. The Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard is a beautiful, vibrant and elegant red that showcases the variety's dark fruity style. With a solid depth on the palate with beautifully integrated acidity, this is a classic Pinot Noir from Rosella's Vineyard that will hold up great for a decade or more.

Fact: only about 60 bottles of this wine come to the Netherlands every year.

Specifications

chevron-down
Packing information Box
Type of Wine Red
Country USA
Region Californie
Appellation Napa Valley
Winery Bernardus
Grape Pinot Noir
Biological certified No
Natural wine No
Vegan No
Vintage 2018
Drinking as of 2021
Drinking till 2028
Alcohol % 14
Alcohol free/low No
Content 0.75 ltr
Oak aging Yes
Sparkling No
Dessert wine No
Closure Cork
Parker rating 91
Tasting Profiles Complex, Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Mineraal, Rood fruit, Soepel, Tannines, Vol
Drink moments Indruk maken, Lekker luxe, Open haard

Professional Reviews

chevron-down

Parker

91

Wijnhuis

chevron-down

Bernardus Winery is located in Carmel Valley, where ocean fog and Californian sunshine take turns throughout the day. The estate is known for wines with freshness and depth. Sometimes serious, sometimes playfully surprising. The long growing season gives the grapes plenty of time to build flavor. And you can taste it.

Location and climate

Carmel Valley sits just a few kilometres from the cool Monterey coastline. You notice it immediately when the ocean breeze rolls in and temperatures drop in an instant. This daily cooling slows ripening and adds nuance to the fruit. Warm and sunny during the day, yet cool enough in the evening to reach for a jacket. That contrast is exactly what makes Bernardus wines so vibrant.

Soils and terroir of Bernardus

The soils range from granite to loam and sand, a geological buffet that the vines happily make use of. Deep rooting leads to concentration and structure. The Bordeaux varieties thrive in the warmer parcels. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir prefer the cooler spots. It is almost as if every grape has its own favourite microclimate, and Bernardus ensures they all feel at home.

Grape varieties and vineyard management

Bernardus works with estate vineyards and supplements with fruit from top growers in Santa Lucia Highlands and Arroyo Seco. All with one goal: only the best grapes enter the cellar. Harvesting is done by hand, which not only preserves quality but also provides an excellent workout for the team. Low yields mean more concentration. Fewer grapes, more flavour.

Winemaking and style at Bernardus

The red wines ferment slowly and then mature in French barriques. Not too much, not too little. Just enough to add depth without masking the fruit. The style is ripe yet balanced, with soft tannins and clear structure.

The white wines are lively and energetic. Chardonnay is aged partly in oak and partly in stainless steel, resulting in a wine that is both fresh and rounded. A bit like yin and yang in your glass.

Bernardus' philosophy

Bernardus aims to create wines with elegance and tension. No excessive richness, no overripe fruit and certainly no vanilla overload. The European influence of founder Ben Pon is still unmistakable. The estate works with respect for the natural surroundings and remains committed to a style that focuses on balance. You can almost taste the approach: nothing overcomplicated, just genuinely well made wine.

Ordering at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen you will find a wide range of wines from Bernardus Winery. Everything is carefully stored and ready to ship. Order online or pick up your bottles in our store in Dordrecht. Need help choosing the right wine for dinner or advice on cellaring? Our sommeliers are happy to assist. Planning a visit? See Visit us.

Attachments

chevron-down