Almost by chance, former Dutch racing driver Ben Pon (you know, from the Pon family, which is an importer of VW, Audi and Porsche, among others) acquired a piece of land on the Californian slopes behind Carmel Valley Village in 1989. Here he started his Bernardus Winery with the aim of producing wines that rival the greatest Bordeaux and Grand Crus. The vineyards in the Carmel Valley are carefully planted with various grape varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc. While Bordeaux style varieties grow in vineyards in Carmel Valley, Chardonnay is cultivated in cool maritime climates, namely in the Monterey Bay. Grapes from other appellations in California are used to add nuances to the Bernardus blends. The Bernardus Chardonnay Sierra Mar Vineyard has undergone a wood aging period of more than 15 months. The grapes for this gem are of course all harvested by hand so that only the best juice is used for this wine. Due to the long wood aging, the color is deep golden yellow. The scent is very special. The aromas of apple and pear form a beautiful interplay with hints of orange blossom, caramel and even some petroleum. The taste is full, thick and very diverse. At first we immediately recognize the Bernardus Chardonnay style, later this is transformed by special nuances of candied orange peel, cream, cinnamon and nutmeg. A perfect combination with the tropical fruit. The aftertaste is intense and long. Really a mouthful. This Chardonnay Bernardus Sierra Mar Vineyard is a Chardonnay for the advanced Chardonnay drinker. Full bodied, buttercotsch, but that in combination with the great acidity makes this almost Burgundian-looking Napa chardonnay. Fact: only around 90-120 bottles of this wine come to the every year