- About This Wine
- Ratings & Reviews
- Tasting Notes
About This Wine
Ratings & Reviews
Tasting Notes
ABOUT THIS WINE
REVIEWS
WINEMAKER NOTES
The Carmel Valley has long been a source of distinction in California winemaking, and few wines embody its unique character as profoundly as the Bernardus 2013 Marinus Red. Crafted with an uncompromising devotion to traditional Bordeaux techniques, this wine represents a benchmark in balance, refinement, and age-worthy structure. Bernardus has continually raised the bar through meticulous vineyard management, and the 2013 vintage reflects the culmination of that dedication—a wine that captures both the soul of the vineyard and the nobility of Bordeaux tradition.
From the first swirl in the glass, the 2013 Marinus reveals its pedigree. The robe is a deep, almost opaque crimson, signaling the concentration within. Aromatically, it is vivid and complex: dried cranberries, spiced plum, and a faint whisper of earth intertwine with cedar and graphite, recalling the grand crus of the Médoc. With air, notes of tobacco leaf, cassis, and warm baking spices emerge, layering depth upon depth. This aromatic spectrum is a testament to the precision of Bernardus’ hand harvesting and block-by-block vinification, which ensures that each varietal component reaches its fullest expression before blending.
On the palate, the wine strikes with both power and elegance. The blend Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (25%), Malbec (8%), and a touch of Cabernet Franc (2%) creates a tapestry of flavors that is at once vibrant and harmonious. Red cherry and black plum form the core, framed by darker notes of blackberry and currant, while hints of espresso, clove, and graphite provide Bordeaux-like gravitas. The tannic structure is firm yet polished, guiding the fruit toward a resonant, mineral-laced finish that promises decades of evolution.
What elevates the Bernardus 2013 Marinus Red is not only its varietal precision but also the philosophy behind it. Fermented in small lots, punched down and pumped over with care, and aged for 18 months in fine French oak, the wine is given every opportunity to achieve its fullest voice. The result is a red of uncommon depth, freshness, and longevity—one that competes effortlessly with Left Bank Bordeaux while showcasing Carmel Valley’s distinctive terroir.
This is a wine that collectors and enthusiasts alike should not overlook. The 2013 vintage, picked between November 8th and 12th, has already begun to show its brilliance, yet its backbone of acidity and tannin suggest it will age gracefully for two decades or more. For those seeking a California red that unites Bordeaux sophistication with New World vibrancy, the Bernardus Marinus 2013 is nothing short of a triumph.
Alcohol: 14.5%
From the first swirl in the glass, the 2013 Marinus reveals its pedigree. The robe is a deep, almost opaque crimson, signaling the concentration within. Aromatically, it is vivid and complex: dried cranberries, spiced plum, and a faint whisper of earth intertwine with cedar and graphite, recalling the grand crus of the Médoc. With air, notes of tobacco leaf, cassis, and warm baking spices emerge, layering depth upon depth. This aromatic spectrum is a testament to the precision of Bernardus’ hand harvesting and block-by-block vinification, which ensures that each varietal component reaches its fullest expression before blending.
On the palate, the wine strikes with both power and elegance. The blend Cabernet Sauvignon (35%), Merlot (30%), Petit Verdot (25%), Malbec (8%), and a touch of Cabernet Franc (2%) creates a tapestry of flavors that is at once vibrant and harmonious. Red cherry and black plum form the core, framed by darker notes of blackberry and currant, while hints of espresso, clove, and graphite provide Bordeaux-like gravitas. The tannic structure is firm yet polished, guiding the fruit toward a resonant, mineral-laced finish that promises decades of evolution.
What elevates the Bernardus 2013 Marinus Red is not only its varietal precision but also the philosophy behind it. Fermented in small lots, punched down and pumped over with care, and aged for 18 months in fine French oak, the wine is given every opportunity to achieve its fullest voice. The result is a red of uncommon depth, freshness, and longevity—one that competes effortlessly with Left Bank Bordeaux while showcasing Carmel Valley’s distinctive terroir.
This is a wine that collectors and enthusiasts alike should not overlook. The 2013 vintage, picked between November 8th and 12th, has already begun to show its brilliance, yet its backbone of acidity and tannin suggest it will age gracefully for two decades or more. For those seeking a California red that unites Bordeaux sophistication with New World vibrancy, the Bernardus Marinus 2013 is nothing short of a triumph.
Alcohol: 14.5%
91 Points - Cellar Tracker
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
Socially Rated 4+ / 5 ⭐
The robe of our 2013 Marinus is a very deep crimson. On the nose we find dried cranberry aromas accented by subtle spice notes. The palate is intensely flavored with impressions of bright red cherry and plum. The finish shows excellent tannic structure promising a long life for this vintage of Marinus, much like that of a fine Bordeaux.