Santa Lucia Highlands’ two most renowned growers, Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni, have joined forces on an exciting 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 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 aromas and flavors.

Picking date:

September 9th, 2015

Appellation:

Santa Lucia Highlands

Fermentation:

All our Chardonnays are fermented and aged in the Burgundian tradition. The grapes were hand picked and sorted for quality before being gently whole-cluster pressed and barrel fermented using a variety of specially selected yeasts. All our Chardonnays undergo a complete malo-lactic fermentation which, along with hand stirring every two weeks, enhances the richness, complexity and ageability of the wine.

Cooperage:

100% French oak, 40% new: Sirugue, Billon, Cadus and Dargaud & Jaegle.

Bottling:

August 29th, 2016.

374 cs. (750 mls.)