Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay 2011
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Enthusiast
Wine -
Parker
Robert
Product Details
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Winemaker Notes
We have chosen a block planted with two selections of the highly-regarded Wente clone of Chardonnay which is known for its small clusters of tiny grapes. This clone, along with the highest quality farming practices, provides us with a very intense wine exhibiting the finest quality of flavors and aromas.
On the nose we find scents are of ripe peach and baked green apple, accented by notes of crème brulée. The palate is highly focused with concentrated flavors of candied citrus fruits, caramel, toasty oak and hints of mineral supported by a crisp, refreshing acidity.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a fine Chardonnay marked by rich, ripe pear, peach and tropical fruit flavors, but also a bright acidity that highlights all the fruit. Notes of buttered toast add richness. It’s delicious on its own, but would also be an ideal accompaniment for tapas.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Another remarkable effort, the 2011 Chardonnay Soberanes Vineyard starts out quite rich and fleshy, yet gains focus and purity in the glass. Offering notes of baked apples, spice, buttered toast and hints of citrus, it is laser- focused on the palate, with building richness and fantastic energy on the finish. Enjoy it over the coming 3-4 years. Drink now - 2017.
Other Vintages
2018-
Enthusiast
Wine
Pon appreciates wine as an art-- a form of art that transcends the ordinary. His dream with Bernardus is to make a red wine equal to the finest from Bordeaux. To achieve this purpose, Ben, a Dutchman who could have planted vineyards anywhere in the world, has chosen the Carmel Valley for his estate vineyards and winery. Since the early 1970's, there has been a growing awareness of the outstanding potential for Bordeaux varieties from this new viticultural appellation. The Bernardus estate vineyards of Marinus and Featherbow Ranch are located in the Cachagua region of the Carmel Valley. We have been told that Cachagua is the Spanish word Native Americans used for deep or hidden water. It has been said that Native Americans believed that all things in nature were sacred and interrelated. Their respect for balance in nature is carried on in the vineyards of Bernardus. More than 300 live oaks have been preserved to thrive among carefully planted vines.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.