THE STORY
Anticipating a wine pickup, we took our large pup to his first wine tasting at the Bernardus Winery Tasting Room in Carmel Valley Village. He loved the faux grass on the edge of the tasting patio and was a pretty good boy while we tasted a few newer releases. However, my tasting notes were not up to my own standard. Some deserve a re-do on a future visit.
My last post about Bernardus is here: Happy Holidays with a Bernardus Post!
THE WINERY
I’ve written many times about founder Ben Pon’s vision to grow quality Bordeaux blends right here in Carmel Valley. I am hopeful that Bernardus will not give up on that dream. Their Marinus Bordeaux-style blend has long been our favorite Bernardus wine. I understand the 2025 Marinus will be a field blend from the Marinus Vineyard. After that?
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 2 Bernardus wines from this single tasting. Winery tasting notes come from their website or tasting sheets, unless otherwise indicated. You can read more about these wines on their website. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2024 Bernardus Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 12.7% ABV, $28 (#1681)
Winery Notes: “Our 2024 Signature Griva bottling has aromas of lime zest and lemon curd accented by notes of grassy minerality. The palate exhibits full flavors, hints of tropical fruit with meyer lemon, grapefruit, and a rich mouthfeel are supported by refreshing acidity. This year our Griva Sauvignon Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc with no added Semillon. It was so expressive we decided to bottle it pure.”
My Review: Pale golden in the glass. Sweet pineapple, grassy minerality and butter notes on the fragrant nose. Full flavor on the palate of Meyer lemon, tart pineapple with grapefruit zest on the finish. This is one of my favorite 2024 Monterey County sauvignon blancs. October 2025 and March 2026
2023 Bernardus Chardonnay, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $55 (#1728)
Winery Notes: “Our 2023 Soberanes Chardonnay exhibits robust flavors and aromas, highlighted by rich toasted oak and caramel notes. The palate is intense, with hints of lees and tropical fruits, kept in balance with a delicately crisp finish. Our Soberanes Chardonnay exemplifies the flavor and quality of this special grape growing region.”
My Review: Yellow in the glass. Buttery nose, followed by tasty flavors on the lively palate. Quintissential Monterey SLH chardonnay. March 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
“Experience the Luxury of Bernardus Winery”
“Established in 1994, Bernardus opened the doors to the first-ever tasting room in Carmel Valley. We are located about 15 miles east of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Pebble Beach, and showcase some of the best wines in the region. Join us for a tasting on our patio, at our tasting bar, or in our newly renovated signature Pon room, perfect for private bookings.”
The Bernardus Tasting room, located at 5 West Carmel Valley Road, is open every day 11-5.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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