2020 Ceritas Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard

From a cool, late ripening site at 300 feet elevation, the 2020 Chardonnay Trout Gulch is fresh with pear, tarragon, and lemon zest. The palate has driving acidity, and mineral rich concentration, with lemon balm and crushed seashell. This is another laser-focused wine to drink over the next 10-15 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.