With Ben’s passing in 2019, Bernardus Winery carried on with his business partner at the helm, fellow Dutchmen Mr. Robert van der Walle who kept the experienced Dean De Korth in charge of winemaking. Pon also hired Dean De Korth, a French trained winemaker who had spent a decade attending the university and making wine in Burgundy and the Loire Valley. Dean recently retired and was replaced by Jim McCabe.

The Bernardus Rosella’s Chardonnay 2022 exhibits a pale gold hue in the glass with purity that was mesmerizing. The nose is straight forward, highlighted by peach, candied lemon, buttercream, and notes of toasted oak. The palate has a juicy mouthfeel with a creamy core lifted by just the right amount of acidity and a touch of minerality giving the Chardonnay lift through a precise, crisp finish. A lovely Rosella’s Vineyard Chardonnay that would appeal to discerning Burgundy lovers minus the hefty price. A truly enjoyable wine to drink!

By Perry Miroballi