2013 Bernardus Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

The Santa Lucia Highlands have long been a focus for us at Bernardus as we recognized early on the phenomenal potential of these great vineyards. We have been producing small vineyard-designate bottlings from several of our favorites for many years. Recently, we have increased our vineyard selections and felt the time was right to present our first Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Summer was very cool in 2009, but fortunately, September was beautifully warm and sunny, bringing our Central Coast grapes to perfect ripeness while retaining a refreshing, crisp acidity. At Bernardus, all our grapes are hand-picked, fermented in small individual batches and aged in the finest French oak barrels until final blending, just before bottling.

In the glass, the robe is a deeply-colored crimson and crystal clear. The aromas show the classic SLH scents of cherry and plum, along with subtle notes of earth and spice. In the mouth the flavors are amazingly intense, exhibiting a variety of ripe, red fruit flavors with hints of cinnamon, cloves and licorice. The palate is very long and vibrant, showing great potential for aging in a proper cellar.

Vineyards:

Tondre 38%

Paraiso 25%

Fairview 13%

Griva 11%

Rosella’s 10%

Olson 3%

Cooperage: 100% French (Burgundian): Sirugue, Cadus, Damy, Billon; 40% new.

Production: 2325 cs. (750) 408 cs. (375)