Our Marinus vineyard in upper Carmel Valley is planted with the five traditional Bordeaux varietals. The vineyard is divided into small blocks according to soil type and exposure. Each block has its own terroir and is farmed and hand harvested individually in order to ensure its perfect expression.

The 2005 vintage enjoyed beautifully sunny but relatively cool weather, ending with moderately warm days through the critical months of September and October. We were able to pick each block at the peak of ripeness, producing wines with exceptionally vivid fruit characters.

At Bernardus we follow traditional Bordeaux vinification methods. All grapes are de-stemmed and fermented in small fermenters. Each one is pumped over by hand twice a day throughout its fourteen day maceration. They are then pressed individually after a tasting evaluation for tannin extraction and lodged in small Bordeaux cooperage for ageing. The wines are kept in their individual lots until a few months before bottling, when the final blend is made.

Our 2005 Marinus exhibits a deep crimson color and appears nearly opaque. Aromas express beautifully ripened red fruits accented by notes of dried spices and subtle toasted oak. The flavors of black plum and cherry fill the mouth and linger beautifully through a long and silky finish.

The final blend is:
Cabernet Sauvignon 74.4%
Merlot 15.3%
Malbec 5.0%
Petit Verdot 4.8%
Cabernet Franc 0.5%

Cooperage: 100% French, 50% new
Coopers: Vicard, Marchive, Sylvain, Remond, Bernard, Berger
Case Production: 8,948 (6 pack cases)
Retail Price: $36.00
Release Date: September 1, 2009