James Suckling (98)

This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024.

Renowned for its exceptional character, the Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020 hails from the prestigious winemaker Ceritas, set within the heart of California's esteemed Sonoma Coast. Each bottle encapsulates the ideal maritime climate and diverse soil, which culminate to produce nuanced acidity levels and complex flavour profiles. The Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020 boasts a vibrant mix of ripe citrus, stone fruits, and subtle mineral undertones, underpinned by a lively crispness that makes it exceedingly palatable.

The esteemed winemaker, John Raytek, adheres strictly to organic farming methods and minimalist winemaking; this approach lets the unique terroir of each carefully chosen vineyard express itself fully within the wine. Grown on mature vines that grace the high slopes of the Bailhache Vineyard, each grape is meticulously handpicked at peak ripeness, simultaneously ensuring the utmost quality and preserving the delicate balance of the wine.

Indulge in the Ceritas Bailhache Sauvignon Blanc 2020, an embodiment of the complexity and elegance of Californian terroir.

Jeb Dunnuck (97)

The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon Colima, a blend from five different vineyards, pours a deep ruby hue and offers pure, layered, red-fruited aromas of fruit punch and framboise along with pine and pencil shaving. The palate reveals fine tannins, with outstanding refinement of structure, notes of ripe redcurrant, gravelly earth, and forest herbs, and fresh acidity throughout. This vibrant and high-toned, energetic wine captures what Cab from Sonoma can be all about.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2020 Pinot Noir Cuvee Chloe is highly aromatic and moves into a more classical perfume of cherry cola and forest floor. The palate is generous with its fruit of cranberry cocktail, rose petal, and fine tannins that emerge on the finish. Drink over the next 15 or more years.

The Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 is an enlightened expression of complexity and class. Cultivated in Sonoma County, California, Ceritas focuses on delivering wines of character rooted in the region's unique climates and soils. The 2021 release of their Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir is testament to their artisanal practices. Each grape is handpicked and fermented naturally, showcasing great dedication to traditional techniques whilst employing modern understanding.

The minimalist intervention approach employed by Ceritas allows for the Pinot Noir's true character to shine. Deeply aromatic with notes of wild berries and ground spice, this wine cascades across the palate with exceptional balance and textured depth. Its lingering finish delivers an unforgettable impression.

Made by the widely respected winemaker, John Raytek, Ceritas Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2021 offers an absorbing insight into the expressive beauty of California Pinot Noir. A captivating ensemble of craftsmanship and terroir - this is a wine of unmistakable pedigree and charm.

Vinous (94)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

The 2021 Pinot Noir Elliott is packed with layered aromas of gravelly mineral earth, framboise, and wild herbs. Profound and balanced, with outstanding structure and gripping ripe tannins, it reveals notes of crunchy cherry, fresh earth, and a refined, elegant perfume on the finish. It continuously evolves in the glass and is an absolutely stunning and singular wine.

Vinous (92)

The 2019 Chardonnay Marena bristles with coastal energy and tension. Citrus peel, white flowers, chalk, white pepper and mint are finely sculpted in this gorgeous appellation-level Chardonnay from Ceritas. Aeration brings out gorgeous depth and resonance. All the elements are so well balanced. The Marena is a blend from a south-facing block at Zephyr planted with Clone 4 Chardonnay and the thin canopy sections at Heintz, where the fruit is more exposed, in other words all fruit that is a bit more forward and generous than what is used in the vineyard designate bottlings.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

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.

Introducing the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021, valuable addition to the cellar of any discerning oenophile. This radiant Pinot Noir is produced by Ceritas, maestros of viniculture with a predilection for crafting small batch wines reflective of their unique terroir. Nestled within the-aesthetic cool-climate of Sonoma Coast, California, the Occidental vineyard's maritime influence enhances the grape qualities, cultivating distinctive flavours.

The Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is an homage to artisan winemaking traditions - hand harvesting and indigenous fermentations lead to minimal intervention. This expression is marked by eloquent layers of red cherry, clove, wild herbs and orange peel, juxtaposed against a robust structure. The wine's finish is noted for its gripping minerality and liveliness, making it age-worthy and versatile.

Its precise balance between rustic charm and sophisticated depth presents the Ceritas Occidental Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 as a pure expression of its prestigious origin, ready to tantalise the palette of the patient connoisseur.

Jeb Dunnuck (93)

Carex is the Latin name for a type of grass that grows in the vineyard. The 2020 Chardonnay Carex has delicate floral aromatics of fresh honeysuckle, apple blossom, wet stone, and lime zest. The palate is full of energy and fresh acidity and is zippy with lemon zest, wet stone, and green apple skin. Drink this over the next 10 or more years.

Indulge in the nuanced thrill of the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Carex Chardonnay 2021. Forged in the heart of Sonoma County's true cool climate, this offering embodies authentic Californian winemaking. Meticulously cultivated on an ancient uplifted seabed, the grapes are granted a unique mineral intensity, embellishing the wine's vivacious charm. Produced by Ceritas, a family-run establishment helmed by revered winemakers, John and Phoebe Raytek, this Chardonnay encapsulates their testament to crafting wines that reflect the land's character.

A blend of expressive tropical fruit, floral undertones and structured minerality define this elegant elixir. Attention to hand-harvesting and a natural fermenting process contribute to the wine's rich complexity. The Ceritas Sonoma Coast Carex Chardonnay 2021 showcases a well-sculpted palate of crisp apple vibrant acidity, underpinned by subtle oak influences and a lingering finish. A remarkable addition for collectors and enthusiasts, this heirloom Chardonnay is a living tribute to vineyard-centred winemaking.

Wine Advocate (94+)

The 2018 Pinot Noir Senna is medium ruby in the glass and offers seductive aromas of dried lilac, black tea leaves and orange peel with an earthy, black berry core. Medium-bodied and silky, it's expansive and expressive in the mouth, with a broad, ever-changing spectrum of flavors and a long, nuanced finish. This is stunning already, but it will take a bit more time to show all it's got.

Fine wine connoisseurs believe the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 is a sublime testament to Californian viticulture. Famed producers at Ceritas have crafted this exquisite tipple from select Pinot Noir grapes, meticulously hand-picked from choice Sonoma Coast vineyards at the ideal maturity stage. Refined in French oak barrels, this intricately-made wine exhibits delicate, sustainable viticulture practices.

Destined to be a collector's gem, Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 possesses an elegant allure. Its complex bouquet marries ripe red cherry notes with subtle undertones of oriental spices and wild herbs, suggesting a depth and richness befitting of its superb lineage.

Notably, the Ceritas winery is renowned for their cold-soaking harvest technique and natural fermentation processes—enhancing the wine's layered complexity. With a silky texture and impressive finish, the Ceritas Sonoma Coast Cuvee Chloe Pinot Noir 2019 stands as a peerless example of fine winemaking tradition.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2021 Chardonnay Zephyr pours a vibrant straw with green highlights and opens in the glass to notes of lime blossom, chive, and hints of tropical fruit and sea spray. It retains ripeness throughout, with fresh lime, green apple, white flowers, and fresh herbs, as well as saline and sea spray. Drink this over the next decade.

Vinous (96)

The 2021 Chardonnay Trout Gulch is lights out. Crushed rocks, white pepper, mint, citrus peel and dried flowers offer tons of palate-staining intensity. As always, the Trout Gulch is intensely saline and mineral, with a bit of youthful austerity that needs time to soften.

James Suckling (99)

The tension and density are so in balance, showing flint and matchstick notes. Full-bodied, creamy and very salty with a long, focused finish. Love the tight, subdued character here. A thoughtful, serious wine that needs contemplation. Drinkable now, but better in 2022 and onwards.

James Suckling (97)

There’s real direction and clarity to this white with sliced dried apples, crushed stones and minerals on the nose, as well as hints of biscuit and praline. Some honeysuckle and lemon-grass undertones, too. It’s full-bodied, yet very tight and lively with a line of fresh acidity running through the palate, providing energy and depth. From the owner of Chacra and Burgundy’s Jean-Marc Roulot. Drinkable now, but much better in three to four years. Try after 2023.

James Suckling (98)

This is probably the finest answer to Puligny or Meursault in Argentina and it will be hard to pass by. Beautiful brioche notes give a fine creaminess with mineral, fine reduction, beeswax and a hint of white sesame to the lemon curd. Extremely textured and tense on the palate with fresh, medium acidity and a long, long finish. This is all about texture and purity. Also intellectual. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (99)

This is very compressed and vertical, with deep mineral notes from the high quality of the single vineyard. The finish goes on for minutes. Compressed and precise with structure and sophistication, yet there’s attractiveness now that makes the wine a must to drink. Best ever. Drink or hold.

Vinous (91)

Bright light yellow. Lively aromas of nectarine and peach are complemented by a sexy leesy nuance. Highly concentrated, savory wine with terrific saline mineral intensity to its rather plush stone fruit and lemon flavors. Densely packed, deep and vibrant, this fully ripe Chardonnay finishes with excellent palate-coating length. (12.5% alcohol; star Meursault winemaker Jean-Marc Roulot consults on Chardonnay at Bodega Chacra)

James Suckling (97)

I love the beautiful aromas of sliced apples, pears and pear blossom. Cookies. Honey. Straw. Full-bodied yet very sleek and polished. Extremely smooth and refined. Hints of cream and lightly toasted nuts and praline. Very, very long and persistent. Fantastic wine made with Burgundy’s famous winemaker, Roulot.

Vinous (95)

The 2020 Chardonnay Mainqué was made in partnership with the Burgundy winemaker Jean Marc Roulot with grapes from an old vineyard in Mainqué, Río Negro. Seventy-three percent of the wine was aged in mostly used French barrels, the rest in concrete tanks for 11 months. Yellow in the glass. The clear, expressive nose presents notes of acacia, hawthorn and honey with hints of pear and apple. Subtle aromas from the aging process enhance the complexity. Saline with expressive freshness, the flow is delicate while ginger notes develop at the back of the mouth. A rich, nuanced, vibrant wine.

James Suckling (97)

Apple, brioche, flint, pear and slate aromas with hints of apple tart follow through to a full body with gorgeous richness and depth, yet it grows on the palate. Very vertical and goes deep. Best ever. Drink or hold.

Wine Advocate (94)

The 2014 Cincuenta y Cinco feels very complete even at this early stage with good concentration, ripeness and balance. It combines the elegance of the 2013 with the exuberance of 2011. Since 2011 they went for a light toast of the barrels and also started using larger volume, 600-liter formats. The oak feels perfectly integrated in the wine. In the context this is more powerful, and has a little more concentration and ripeness, but it's still a very balanced and fresh. Different to 2013, but at the same high-quality level. 19,000 bottles produced.

Vinous (93)

The 2019 Pinot Noir Cincuenta y Cinco was fermented in whole bunches and half aged in used barrels and the rest in concrete. The aromas are a little murky with earth and a whiff of mushroom over fresh plum and cherry. With tangible grip from the stems, the expression is skinny but finely grained. The complexity lies in how the fruit is challenged by other flavors without getting overwhelmed. An interesting wine.

James Suckling (98)

Extremely perfumed and beautiful with ripe strawberries and citrus fruit, as well as aromatic flowers. Full-bodied with plenty of fruit and creamy, chewy tannins that are polished and very impressive. Long and linear. One of the best of this bottling. Drink after 2023, but already a gorgeous bottle.

James Suckling (98)

Perfumed and floral aromas of rose petals, rose hips, wild strawberries, raspberries, sliced mushrooms and orange zest. Bright and succulent with a medium body and very fine, firm tannins. Delightful citrus and crunchy red-fruit character with pretty rose-petal notes throughout. Drink from 2024. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (96)

Fresh and floral nose with tiles, vibrant red berries and pomegranate. Stony, mineral verve. Pure and expressive with good tension on the medium-bodied palate. Silky, very nimble and elegant. Acidic red berries in the finish that cleanse the palate. So much drinkability. Drink or hold. From biodynamically grown grapes.

James Suckling (97)

This is incredibly fresh and vivid with orange peel, orange blossoms, cherries and hints of rose stem. Medium-bodied with a sleek and racy palate of creamy, fine tannins and a energetic length and purity. Crunchy. 100% whole cluster. From vineyards planted in 1955. Drink or hold.