2009 Bernardus Monterey County Chardonnay

About This Wine

Dutch Daredevil Focusing On Chardonnay Excellence

You might wonder why a former Dutch Olympic athelete and Porsche race car driver would settle for the "slow lane" of creating world-class wines in California's Monterey County. But that's only because you've never met Ben Pon.

Born in Amersfoort, Holland, Ben inherited a European appreciation of wine from his company which serves as the oldest "wÿnkoper" business in Holland. But this Old World bon vivant is not a man to be held back ... or to stop at boundaries. After all, his father imported the first Volkswagon "Beetle" to America and designed the Volkswagon bus.

So maybe it's not surprising that this former Olympic skeet shooter now has his sights set on capturing the California Chardonnay market. After all, he's used to aiming where the clay pigeon will be. And in the words of Ben Pon, "98% of Americans are not drinking wine. YET." With a Chardonnay this enticing, we're not inclined to disagree.

About Chardonnay

Relatively easy to grow in a variety of locations. Consistently produces some of the world's great white wines. Complex, full, rich and fruity with soft edges and moderate acidity. Offers rich and intense fruit flavors of apple, fig, melon, pear, peach, pineapple, along with creamy yeast spice, honey, butter and hazelnut flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:100% Chardonnay
• Grape Source:California's Arroyo Seco, Santa Lucia Highlands and Monterey County
• Aromas & Flavors:Tropical Fruits, Caramel Apple, Honeysuckle, Vanilla
• Aging Vessels:French oak barrels
• When to Drink:Now through 2016
• Food Pairing SuggestionGrilled sea bass, chicken cordon bleu, sweet and sour pork, shrimp scampi, pasta primavera.

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