Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/41419
Bernardus 2008 Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco (SRP $50). Grown about 30 miles south of Salinas, this cinnamon-sugared, round and orange-blos- somed honey of a wine wowed us. This nectar of the Gods of Monterey County hails from a windswept, sandy cobblestoned vineyard planted exclusively with the Musqué clone of Sauvignon Blanc. BERNARDuS Ben Pon's dream to make the best Bordeaux blends from the warm Carmel Valley was almost instinctual. Born and raised in Holland, his Dutch-based "wÿnkoper" company distributes wine from some of Bordeaux's finest châteaux. Seeing great- ness in Carmel Valley for Bordeaux's traditional varieties, he created Bernardus Vineyards and Winery 20 years ago, later furthering his stake in the area with his luxury resort, Bernardus Lodge. For the last decade, American-born winemaker Dean DeKorth gained all of his early impressions about wine from his education and apprenticeship in France. A very important part of Dean's Burgundian training was focused on distinguishing aromas and flavor qualities, as well as textural elements in the wine. The flagship Bernardus Bordeaux blend is Cab-based Marinus, coming from the highest elevation in Carmel Valley. The winery's Pinot Noir and Chardonnay come from Monterey County's cooler regions, and some releases reflect a precise, focused expression of single vineyards. (See page 63 for my Publisher's Picks and our Award of Excellence for the Bernardus 2007 Rosella's Vineyard Pinot Noir.) Bernardus Marinus represents the potential of Bordeaux varieties from Carmel Valley. Award-Winning Pinot Noir Scheid Vineyards crafts Pinot Noirs from 17 different clones throughout 500 acres. The Scheid team refers to their four specific growing sites for this delicate grape as "Pinot- heaven vineyards." Scheid 2008 Estate Pinot Noir, Monterey County (SRP $32), a blend from three different vineyards, won a Double Gold at this year's San Francisco International Wine Competition. What did we love about it? Dusted rose petals laced with sweet summer berries and that recognizable spice that sparks this varietal so enticingly. september 201 1 / the tasting panel / 75