Typical of this warm vintage, our Monterey Chardonnay exhibits aromas of ripe pear and apple with nuances of citrus, honey and vanilla. The palate exudes juicy, ripe, tropical fruit flavors accented by notes of fresh butter. It is impeccably balanced by a pleasing beam of acidity extending through the long and creamy finish. The wine was fermented with several different yeast strains, including a significant preparation of naturally occurring yeasts, to provide a palette of different and complex flavors. After primary fermentation, the barrels were stirred every other week throughout the ten-month ageing process. This stirring of the lees (the naturally occurring sediment in the barrels) enhances the creamy buttery texture- the mouth feel- which is the most important expression of Bernardus wines.
