2021 Ceritas Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard

A ripe ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Hellenthan is explosive with purity and perfume, taking on a touch of violet and black raspberry eau de vie, as well as fresh pine. Medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, approachable structure and notes of fresh dusty earth, it lends more broadness on the palate, with generous fruit, and has a long, clean finish. Drink it over the next 15 years. Helmed by founder John Raytek, Ceritas was established with their first vintage in 2005. Today, 14 wines are produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all from dry-farmed historical sites poised to channel the style the team wants to create. Each of the sites is farmed organically or biodynamically. Initially focusing solely on what is now the West Sonoma Coast, in 2011 they expanded their reach to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and most recently to Moon Mountain and Napa. In 2015, they moved into a new barrel room in Healdsburg, where they operate today. Having no investors or partners in the project allowed John and his team to experiment and only bottle wines they wished to produce. From a winemaking perspective, they strive for minimal intervention in the cellar. Their oak selections are sourced from two coopers and utilize a light toast from selections with a tight grain. The wines express a pure, focused style that will appeal to those who seek tension and precision. Recent news from the estate includes the acquisition of key Chardonnay holdings in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, which I eagerly anticipate. Additionally, the public can now visit the winery in the heart of Healdsburg for tastings by appointment via their website.