2021 Monterey Chardonnay

 Our Monterey County Chardonnay is assembled from specially selected vineyards, primarily in the Arroyo Seco and Santa Lucia Highlands appellations. Each one contributes its unique aroma and flavor creating a Chardonnay of extraordinary character and finesse.

The 2021 season gave us the perfect combination of excellent weather and a bountiful crop. The quality of our Chardonnay shines brightly in this excellent Monterey County bottling of our ever-popular Chardonnay.

At Bernardus we follow traditional Burgundian methods to create a Chardonnay of the highest quality. Each of our Chardonnay vineyards are picked only after a careful evaluation for ripeness. The grapes are then very gently pressed in order to obtain the highest quality juice. We ferment 25% in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, which enhances the bright fruit flavors. When blended with our rich, complex barrel-fermented lots, this produces a superb wine of intensity and balance. All our barrels are hand-stirred every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling.

The Bernardus 2021 Monterey Chardonnay shows a beautiful aroma of ripe white fruits along with subtle notes of oak and spice. The rich, intense palate exudes flavors green apple, along with tropical fruit notes. Adding to the complexity are hints of candied ginger and toasty oak.  The long finish is perfectly focused, supported by a refreshing acidity. This is a stelar example of one of the Central Coast’s most sought-after Chardonnays!

Vineyard Appellations:

Arroyo Seco:                  65 %

Santa Lucia Highlands: 30 %

Sonoma: 3 %

Carmel Valley: 2 %

Bottled: August 2^nd through 12^th, 2022.

28,421: 12/pack cases + 499 6/pack cases (750 mls.)

448:      12/pack cases (375 mls.)

198:     6/pack cases   1.5-liter magnums

279:     3-liter bottles

144: 5-liter bottles