2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Magnum
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Our Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a blend of Pinot grapes selected from some of our favorite SLH vineyards. The Santa Lucia Highlands have long been a focus for us at Bernardus as we recognized early on the phenomenal potential of this great region.
At Bernardus, all our Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked, sorted, and fermented in small, individual batches. They are then aged in the finest French oak barrels until final blending, just before bottling.
We bottle our Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir earlier than our other Pinot bottlings in order to put the focus on its fresh fruit expression. This is an outstanding example of the characteristics that have made the Highlands one of the world’s most prized Pinot growing regions.
The aromas exhibit scents of black cherries with hints of spice. The flavors are crisp and intense. They range from black cherries to boysenberries and plum skin. The cool climate of the Highlands adds a note of refreshing acidity to the overall profile making this a delicious Pinot to be enjoyed in its youth or aged for several years for a more mature wine experience.
Specs
Vintage: 2017
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Vineyards: Tondre Highlands
Cooperage: Aged for 7 months in 100% French oak barrels, 33% new. Sirugue, Billon & Seguin Moreau coopers
Bottled: June 14th – 22nd, 2018
Alcohol: 14%
What’s Included
1-bottle:
1x 2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Magnum
Case:
2x 2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Magnum
Widely traveled and endowed with impeccable taste, Ben Pon could have chosen anywhere in the world to establish his namesake Bernardus Winery, with the intention of cultivating premier class wines. He selected Carmel Valley, with its west-facing orientation, hot days and chilly nights, and stunning beauty, confident his vineyards there could produce wines to rival the greatest on the globe. More than a quarter-century later, he’s accomplished that not only with his estate Bordeaux blend, called Marinus (after his middle name), but with a powerhouse portfolio of single-vineyard-designated Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Fortunately for wine lovers and fans of Bernardus, Mr. Pon also had the foresight nearly 20 years ago to open the first tasting room in Carmel Valley Village, purchasing and converting the former Bank of America building into a venue for sipping and learning. Today, the Village is home to more than 20 tasting rooms. The Bernardus Tasting Room not only offers wines for tasting and purchase, but a beautiful and sunny outdoor patio, a private room suitable for wine dinners, and a comfortable lounge.
With Ben’s passing in September 2019, Bernardus Winery will carry on with his business partner 100% at the helm. A fellow dutchman and champion of quality, Mr. Robert van der Wallen. He understood Ben’s vision and the importance to keep producing wines with the same passion. Robert created and built Bernardus Golf (www.bernardusgolf.com) and that encompasses the same philosophy as Ben, with innovation and quality at the forefront. With his love of fine art, golf and wine, he will continue to keep the Bernardus legacy moving forward long into the future.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
This big chonker of a bottle arrived earlier this week, with an email stating that it would go on sale on Christmas at midnight, just as Santa is sliding down chimneys.
Well, the fat man doesn’t need to stop at the Fielding residence tonight. Casemates and Wine Country Connect took jolly good care of the surprise gift this year. (but I’ll leave a glass of this Pinot Noir out for Mr. Kringle, just in case)
Upon first uncorking and pouring into an aerator glass, I got initial scents of red raspberry preserve thumbprint butter cookies. That’s precisely the image I immediately had in my head. From scent alone, I could taste the cookies without there being a cookie in sight. (I’ll need to remedy that situation)
First sip. No time to breathe was given. After all, I have one and a half liters to get through before Christmas, so no time like the present!
Wow, the olfactory imagery comes right through on the palate, too. Plus, there’s an addition of pomegranate tartness, but in a very good and balanced way. This is so buttery it’s almost voluptuous, with a wonderful silky texture.
So, that’s the first glass impression. Time to let it rest and see how we fare later in the evening.
The meal of the night was homemade veggie pizza. Thin crust, red sauce, mozzarella, sautéed onions and bell peppers (green, yellow, and red), kalamata olives, fresh tomato slices. This turned out to be a very nice match for the juice from Santa Lucia Highlands. It had mellowed since first opening, and the extravagant buttery baked good vibe was pushed to the background. The new dominant player was a darker pomegranate and black cherry flavor, accented by snow covered earth and Christmas trees (piney juniper kind of thing). Still very good, though.
On Christmas Eve, there was yet another meal to pair with this overgrown bottle. Chicken teriyaki skewers and shrimp egg rolls. (home made, not take out)
Surprisingly for me, the salty flavors of soy and bite of the ginger brought some of the wine’s sweetness back. Putting this night’s taste profile right between the other two from earlier.
Even after 1.5 liters in two days, I’d drink it again. With or without a food pairing. I liked it either way.
Overall, I’d give this 8.5 candy canes out of ten. Which I believe converts to 90 sugar plums out of 100, or four Casemates beanies out of five.
How much more are you saving by buying 2 magnums?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Magnum - $20 = 16.66%
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points. Very light in the glass, this appellation blend is shows off aromas of earth, cherry, dark strawberry and a hint of wet wool. Lively acidity on the palate delivers flavors of tangy boysenberry, wet soil, clay, dried herbs and a hint of earthy juniper. MK 11/1/19
Spectator says…89 Points. Direct, with an engaging mix of dried red fruit and forest floor flavors, supported by fresh tannins. The juicy finish shows flinty accents. Drink now through 2022. 5,500 cases made. — KM Web Only-2019
and Vinous:
Bright red. Dark berry preserve, cola and vanilla aromas, plus a peppery nuance that builds in the glass. Pliant blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors turn sweeter on the back half. Finishes smooth and broad, with a repeating dark berry note, a touch of smokiness and dusty, slow-building tannins. (JR) 11/2019
My apologies for the late posting. Covid concerns shrunk yesterday’s party from 29 to 17, so the bottle did not get opened as planned. However, it was brought to today’s dinner celebration and it disappeared in no time. But, I digress. The magnum arrived late Tuesday and was stored in a cool location until transporting today. Early disclaimer: Normally, +1 and I do not drink pinot noir, preferring instead to drink cabs, merlot, syrah, malbec, etc.
Upon opening, the aromas, in glass, are light and consistent with some kind of citrus, cherry and a light undiscernible berry. The color is cranberry and semi-transparent. First sips reveal a light, non-complex wine, with smooth tannins and light acidity. Flavor profiles reflect a cranberry and/or pomegranate base with a hint of spice in the background. A faint taste of cherry finishes this. We did not find a cherry cola flavor, which presents itself with pinots. Nor did we notice any oakiness. Today’s meal was honey-baked ham (non-promo plug), scalloped potatoes and green beans almondine. This wine paired perfectly with the meal. It would also do well with fowl (turkey, chicken, etc.), pork dishes (depending on spices or sauces used) and cheese platters. As I pointed out, the big bottle was empty in a couple of hours. I did get to taste it before it was all gone and the profiles did not change.
This would be a great wine to bring to a party, to have in abundance for a party of your own or to drink during the week. It is very tasty and easy (like really easy) to drink. No one would not like this wine. Even +1 and I totally enjoyed drinking this. Seeing the price (a case for $100), makes this a no-brainer for purchasing.
@jml326 Oops. You are right. That would’ve been somethin, uh? So, two mags for $100 is still a really good price, especially since mags always go for more $$$. Also, everyone at a party loves to see mags. And in all fairness, only 4 people drank our mag, so if you buy, expect it to be consumed quickly.
2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Magnum
90 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
1-bottle:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $199.98/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Tuesday, Jan 18 - Friday, Jan 21
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
2017 Bernardus Pinot Noir
Santa Lucia Highlands Magnum $59.99-$99.99
Happy Holidays fellow rodentia and wine guzzlers!
This big chonker of a bottle arrived earlier this week, with an email stating that it would go on sale on Christmas at midnight, just as Santa is sliding down chimneys.
Well, the fat man doesn’t need to stop at the Fielding residence tonight. Casemates and Wine Country Connect took jolly good care of the surprise gift this year. (but I’ll leave a glass of this Pinot Noir out for Mr. Kringle, just in case)
Upon first uncorking and pouring into an aerator glass, I got initial scents of red raspberry preserve thumbprint butter cookies. That’s precisely the image I immediately had in my head. From scent alone, I could taste the cookies without there being a cookie in sight. (I’ll need to remedy that situation)
First sip. No time to breathe was given. After all, I have one and a half liters to get through before Christmas, so no time like the present!
Wow, the olfactory imagery comes right through on the palate, too. Plus, there’s an addition of pomegranate tartness, but in a very good and balanced way. This is so buttery it’s almost voluptuous, with a wonderful silky texture.
So, that’s the first glass impression. Time to let it rest and see how we fare later in the evening.
The meal of the night was homemade veggie pizza. Thin crust, red sauce, mozzarella, sautéed onions and bell peppers (green, yellow, and red), kalamata olives, fresh tomato slices. This turned out to be a very nice match for the juice from Santa Lucia Highlands. It had mellowed since first opening, and the extravagant buttery baked good vibe was pushed to the background. The new dominant player was a darker pomegranate and black cherry flavor, accented by snow covered earth and Christmas trees (piney juniper kind of thing). Still very good, though.
On Christmas Eve, there was yet another meal to pair with this overgrown bottle. Chicken teriyaki skewers and shrimp egg rolls. (home made, not take out)
Surprisingly for me, the salty flavors of soy and bite of the ginger brought some of the wine’s sweetness back. Putting this night’s taste profile right between the other two from earlier.
Even after 1.5 liters in two days, I’d drink it again. With or without a food pairing. I liked it either way.
Overall, I’d give this 8.5 candy canes out of ten. Which I believe converts to 90 sugar plums out of 100, or four Casemates beanies out of five.
Merry Christmas!
I hope everyone enjoys time with family and loved ones.
Merry Christmas, Casemateys!
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all and to all a good night! (Shhhh, Santa still has to show)
How much more are you saving by buying 2 magnums?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
2017 Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir Magnum - $20 = 16.66%
Merry Christmas friends!
@kasandrae merry Christmas!!
Christmas Day Reviews!
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points. Very light in the glass, this appellation blend is shows off aromas of earth, cherry, dark strawberry and a hint of wet wool. Lively acidity on the palate delivers flavors of tangy boysenberry, wet soil, clay, dried herbs and a hint of earthy juniper. MK 11/1/19
Spectator says…89 Points. Direct, with an engaging mix of dried red fruit and forest floor flavors, supported by fresh tannins. The juicy finish shows flinty accents. Drink now through 2022. 5,500 cases made. — KM Web Only-2019
and Vinous:
Bright red. Dark berry preserve, cola and vanilla aromas, plus a peppery nuance that builds in the glass. Pliant blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors turn sweeter on the back half. Finishes smooth and broad, with a repeating dark berry note, a touch of smokiness and dusty, slow-building tannins. (JR) 11/2019
fwiw
My apologies for the late posting. Covid concerns shrunk yesterday’s party from 29 to 17, so the bottle did not get opened as planned. However, it was brought to today’s dinner celebration and it disappeared in no time. But, I digress. The magnum arrived late Tuesday and was stored in a cool location until transporting today. Early disclaimer: Normally, +1 and I do not drink pinot noir, preferring instead to drink cabs, merlot, syrah, malbec, etc.
Upon opening, the aromas, in glass, are light and consistent with some kind of citrus, cherry and a light undiscernible berry. The color is cranberry and semi-transparent. First sips reveal a light, non-complex wine, with smooth tannins and light acidity. Flavor profiles reflect a cranberry and/or pomegranate base with a hint of spice in the background. A faint taste of cherry finishes this. We did not find a cherry cola flavor, which presents itself with pinots. Nor did we notice any oakiness. Today’s meal was honey-baked ham (non-promo plug), scalloped potatoes and green beans almondine. This wine paired perfectly with the meal. It would also do well with fowl (turkey, chicken, etc.), pork dishes (depending on spices or sauces used) and cheese platters. As I pointed out, the big bottle was empty in a couple of hours. I did get to taste it before it was all gone and the profiles did not change.
This would be a great wine to bring to a party, to have in abundance for a party of your own or to drink during the week. It is very tasty and easy (like really easy) to drink. No one would not like this wine. Even +1 and I totally enjoyed drinking this. Seeing the price (a case for $100), makes this a no-brainer for purchasing.
@jmdavidson1 FYI not a case, but 2 magnums
@jml326 Oops. You are right. That would’ve been somethin, uh? So, two mags for $100 is still a really good price, especially since mags always go for more $$$. Also, everyone at a party loves to see mags. And in all fairness, only 4 people drank our mag, so if you buy, expect it to be consumed quickly.