The Bien Nacido vineyard is located in the cool Santa Maria Valley. The summer afternoon warmth is moderated by cooling sea breezes which help protect the fruit-driven aromas and flavors: ideal for Pinot Noir. We source our grapes from two separate blocks. One is on the lower bench, planted with clone 2A. The Pommard clone gives deep color and tannic structure to our Pinot, while the 2A supplies the bright, red berry and cherry aromas and flavors. Each block is hand picked according to maturity levels and flavor development. Upon arrival at Bernardus Winery, each clone is crushed and fermented separately in small fermenters using a variety of yeast strains which gives the winemaker a selection of flavor styles from which to build the final blend before bottling.
Our 2006 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir exhibits a garnet-red color. Ripe, red cherry and plum aromas are accented by spicy, peppery notes, typical of this fine vineyard. On the palate, we find very full, ripe flavors of jammy red fruits with more spices and toasty oak nuances that fill the long, rich finish.
Brix at harvest: Clone 2A: 24.6 Pommard clone: 26.4
Cooperage: 15 months in 100% French oak barrels, 50% of which were new
Coopers: Cadus, Francois Freres, Sirugue, Remond
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Harvest Dates: 10/09/2006
Bottled: 2/2008
Case Production: 394 cases