Bernardus Marinus Carmel(2002)

for a vacation, I take one but tell Central Command that I’m on a mission. Its easy to fake it when my vacation takes me to the Bernardus Lodge in the beautiful Carmel Valley in Monterey County, California.

Bernardus runs this luxurious lodge, but they are, perhaps, more famous for their award-winning wines. Bernardus Winery makes exquisite estate grown wines from grapes grown on their estate in Upper Carmel Valley. Their founding mission was to create wines that rivaled the finest French Bordeaux, wines that “flatter the palate and stimulate the imagination”. Mission accomplished!

My first taste of Bernardus Marinus (pronounced mah-ree-nus) came a few years ago. I immediately fell in love with its complexity and its full flavors. When considering a spot for my secret getaway, my choice was easy: Stay at the Bernardus Lodge, realx and drink Marinus. Lot’s and lot’s of it.

On arrival at the Bernardus Lodge, I entered through the front gate. Following the drive toward the lodge, perfect vineyards slope gently away. The main building of the lodge looming into view, I feel instantly relaxed. I know that my stay here will be filled with luxury, great food and better wine.

I won’t drone on and on about the feather bed, the fireplace or the oversized bathtub in my two-room suite, my daily massages, games of tennis near the vineyards or the fine meals had in their 4-star restaurant, Marinus. Suffice to say, after long days of being pampered and evenings spent sipping their incredible wines, I am revitalized.

The 2002 Marinus is a masterpiece and while I was there, I did manage to get my hands on a few cases. Central Command should be pleased with me.
Agent Pinot Personal Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark plum with ruby highlights

Smell – Blueberry, blackberry and cherry dominate the nose, with hints of sweet oak and plum

Feel – Big in the mouth, with great complexity and tannins that excite and invite without drying

Taste – Deliciously ripe dark-fruit flavored, with jammy black cherry, blackberry, oak and the slightest hint of spice

Finish – Big finish with strong and long-lasting flavors that taper off slowly

Conclusion – This is a great, elegant and luxurious wine that drinks like a $75 bottle. I love this wine very much and I have cellared several bottles for myself. I enjoy it as a drink-by-itself luxury or as a perfect complement to a fabulous meal with friends and family.



Technical Wine Analysis

Alcohol: 13.5%

Appellation: Carmel Valley, Monterey County, California

Winemakers: Dean de Korth and Matthew Shea

Grapes:
65% Cabernet Sauvignon
28% Merlot
3% Cabernet Franc
3% Petit Verdot
1% Malbec    (hide)