2023 Ceritas Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2023 Chardonnay Charles Heintz is the most complete of the Chardonnays I tasted. Layered and dynamic in the glass, the Heintz has so much to offer. This site seems very well suited to John Raytek's style. Orange confit, mint, white pepper, tangerine oil and graphite are some of the many notes that take shape in the glass. There's gorgeous tension and nuance that build through the mid-palate and into the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A shade deeper but still a brilliant yellow/straw hue, the 2023 Chardonnay Charles Heintz reveals notes of fresh pineapples, wet stones, fresh flowers, and citrus oils. Full-bodied, it saturates the palate with an opulent, silky texture, though it remains focused, its intense clarity balanced with mouthwatering salinity and a long finish. It’s both approachable now but has the ability to age over the coming 15 years. The team from Ceritas are continuing to push the bar steadily higher, never resting on their laurels. The 2023 range from them is not to be missed.
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.