90 Points rated by Robert Parker
2012 Rosella's Vineyard
This gently sloping vineyard located in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands was planted by the renowned grower Gary Franscioni. A fourth generation farmer, Gary and his lovely wife Rosella have planted one of the finest vineyards in the area. Gary’s passion for growing only the finest fruit on his home vineyard has resulted in a huge following for bottlings of Rosella’s Pinot Noir. Less widely known is his small block of excellent Dijon clone Chardonnay which produces some of the finest grapes in the Highlands.
2012 was another beautiful vintage on the Central Coast: mild, sunny summer weather with warm, dry conditions throughout harvest and low yields. This provided us with superb grapes in 2012.
Our 2012 Rosella’s Chardonnay exhibits bright aromas of candied citrus peel along with mineral and spice notes. The palate is intense and well-focused with flavors of baked apple, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg, accented with notes of mineral and creamy butter. Our 2012 Rosella’s Chard has excellent structure to age for several years in a good cellar.
92 Points rated by Robert Parker 2015 SF Chronicle Gold Medal Winner
2012 Sierra Mar Vineyard
Sierra Mar is a superb vineyard planted by the renowned grower Gary Franscioni on a dramatic hilltop location at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few to receive both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from this super star vineyard.
We have chosen three from among the several clones of Chardonnay planted here: the celebrated Wente Clone and Dijon clones 95 and 96. As usual at Bernardus, we use only hand-picked and sorted grapes for our wines.
On the nose we find aromas of ripe apple and pear with notes of orange blossom and caramel. On the palate we find intense flavors of ripe apple and candied orange peel accented by fresh, creamy butter, cinnamon and nutmeg. The finish is long and well-structured promising wonderful ageing potential for this delicious wine.
92 Points rated by Robert Parker
2012 Soberanes Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands’ two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting new vineyard located just south of the celebrated Garys’ Vineyard in the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands. It is called Soberanes Vineyard. We at Bernardus are honored to be among the few wineries to receive both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from this exciting new star of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation.
We have chosen a block planted with two selections of the highly-regarded Wente clone of Chardonnay which is known for its small clusters of tiny grapes. This clone, along with the highest quality farming practices, provides us with a very intense wine exhibiting the finest quality of flavors and aromas.
On the nose we find scents of baked apple and pear, accented by notes of baking spices and crème brulée. The palate is highly focused with concentrated flavors of candied citrus fruits, caramel, toasty oak and hints of mineral supported by a crisp, refreshing acidity.
