2023 Bernardus Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
| Type of Wine | |
|---|---|
| Country | |
| Region | |
| Appellation | |
| Winery | |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Grape | |
| Content (Alc) | 0.75 ltr (14%) |
| Drink window | 2025 - 2032 |
Description
Almost by chance, former Dutch racing driver Ben Pon (you know, from the Pon family, which imports VW, Audi and Porsche, among others) acquired a piece of land on the Californian slopes behind Carmel Valley Village in 1989. 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 a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. While the Bordeaux-style varieties grow in the vineyards of Carmel Valley, the Chardonnay is cultivated in cool, maritime climates, namely in the Monterey Bay. Grapes from other California appellations are used to bring nuances to the Bernardus blends.
The vineyards of the Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands are located on some of the most favorable pieces of land. Known as one of the best areas in the world for growing Pinot Noir. The grapes get plenty of sunshine in the afternoon and cooling by the sea breeze. In the glass the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir shows medium ruby-purple color. In the nose the typical intense pinot noir aromas 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 with red meat, game, pasta dishes, cheeses and pate.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
Specifications
| Packing information | Box |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Monterey County |
| Winery | Bernardus |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
Professional Reviews
4.1 Vivino
No written review available.
Wijnhuis
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.
Almost by chance, former Dutch racing driver Ben Pon (you know, from the Pon family, which imports VW, Audi and Porsche, among others) acquired a piece of land on the Californian slopes behind Carmel Valley Village in 1989. 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 a variety of grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. While the Bordeaux-style varieties grow in the vineyards of Carmel Valley, the Chardonnay is cultivated in cool, maritime climates, namely in the Monterey Bay. Grapes from other California appellations are used to bring nuances to the Bernardus blends.
The vineyards of the Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands are located on some of the most favorable pieces of land. Known as one of the best areas in the world for growing Pinot Noir. The grapes get plenty of sunshine in the afternoon and cooling by the sea breeze. In the glass the Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir shows medium ruby-purple color. In the nose the typical intense pinot noir aromas 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 with red meat, game, pasta dishes, cheeses and pate.
FACT: The wine is in our conditioned Wine Warehouse and if you come to pick up the wine you will often also receive a nice discount . You will see your discount immediately when you choose 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht almost next to the A16 with plenty of parking. Click here for our address.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers.
| Packing information | Box |
|---|---|
| Type of Wine | Red |
| Country | USA |
| Region | Californie |
| Appellation | Monterey County |
| Winery | Bernardus |
| Grape | Pinot Noir |
| Biological certified | No |
| Natural wine | No |
| Vegan | No |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Drinking as of | 2025 |
| Drinking till | 2032 |
| Alcohol % | 14 |
| Alcohol free/low | No |
| Content | 0.75 ltr |
| Oak aging | Yes |
| Sparkling | No |
| Dessert wine | No |
| Closure | Cork |
| Tasting Profiles | Droog, Fruitig, Houtgerijpt, Rood fruit, Soepel, Vol |
| Drink moments | Barbecue, Cadeau!, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard, Romantisch |
4.1 Vivino
No written review available.
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.
