2020 Ceritas Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard

Pale ruby. Chalky tannins, elegant red and black fruit. There is plenty of concentration and  perfume in a burgundian style, with delicate and elegant red fruit. Broad and mouth-filling. Still directional, bright and lifted. Very enjoyable. (FG)

The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is the most potent of the Ceritas Pinots. Black cherry, spice, menthol, licorice, tobacco and cedar infuse the 2020 with tons of aromatic nuance to play off the pliant, layered fruit. This virile, deep Pinot is seriously impressive, as it has a real backbone of depth.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Occidental Vineyard is savory with fresh mint and more masculine aromatics, including cherry fruit and dark minerality. The palate is structured and long, with a more iron-rich quality, pomegranate seed, red cherry, and spice. Hold 2-3 years and drink over the following 15 years. Helmed by founder John Raytek, Ceritas was established with their first vintage in 2005. Today there are 14 wines produced – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon – featuring historical sites that are dry farmed and poised to channel the style the team wants to create. Each of the sites are farmed organically, or biodynamically. Originally 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 from today. Having had no investors or partners in the project, it allowed John and his team the freedom to experiment and to 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.