2012 Hellenthal Vineyard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard emerges from a parcel of own-rooted Calera Pinot in one of the most intriguing sites of the Sonoma Coast. Here what stands out is a compelling interplay of rich, powerful fruit and equally intense, pulsating acidity. Crushed rocks, red cherries, mint and rose petals are some of the notes that weave together in a complex, exotic fabric that captivates all the senses. The 60% whole clusters are very nicely balanced. Still very much tightly wound and virile in style, the 2012 is going to need a bit of time to come around, but it offers outstanding potential.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard, from a site on the far Sonoma Coast, is an addition to the range. Dark red cherry, plum, spices and tobacco all meld together in the glass. The 2012 is immediate, juicy, expressive and distinctly dark in personality. I imagine the 2012 will drink well for at least a handful of years. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see how things develop here in the coming vintages. Ceritas pulls fruit from the oldest of the five blocks on this hillside site, first planted in 1979 and 1980, with own-rooted Calera clone Pinot. This is a terrific first effort.
About the producer
Created in 2005 by John Raytek, Ceritas is one of California’s most exciting producers. The project is focused on making single-site wines from Northern California’s coastal regions, largely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.