2019 Bernardus Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

Almost by accident the former Dutch racing driver Ben Pon (you know from the Pon family which is 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 vineyards in the Carmel Valley, 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 is also a wine where the Pinot Noir grapes come from 1 vineyard and is therefore a so-called 'single vineyard' wine. The vineyard is the Rosella's vineyard from the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. This area is famously and undisputedly the best place in Napa Valley for the Pinot noir grape. Only the best of the best is used, from vines to care and from special yeast cultures to raising. After vinification, the wine is aged in French oak for 10 months.

In the glass, the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir shows a medium ruby-purple colour. In the nose the typical intense pinot noir scents such as fresh red fruit, black cherry vanilla and a little earthy. The wine has a full taste with hints of red fruit and black tannins. A good combination of red meat, game, pasta dishes, cheeses and pâté.