2018 Bernardus Pinot Noir Rosella's Vineyard

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.