Pinot Noir, Hellenthal, Ceritas Vineyard Sonoma Coast

2018 13.1%

“High up in the mountainous Fort-Ross Seaview appellation of the West Sonoma Coast there is little resemblance to other areas from which we make wine. Hellenthal is situated on the northern flanks of this area at 1300 feet elevation. Coastal fog winds its way up the Gualala River, bringing the influence of the Pacific right up to the feet of the vineyard.”

This is the oldest own-rooted Pinot Noir on the Sonoma Coast – planted in 1980 in partnership with David Hirsch, Gard Hellenthal took a leap of faith and it paid off in spades.

Small berries the size of a pea give depth and concentration while retaining natural acidity. Deep and dark. Extraordinary pure bouquet of black cherries intermingled with oyster shell and a hint of Chinese five-spice. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins highlighted by the 50% whole cluster. Edgy and stony, with dark berry fruit and a long-extended finish filled with lifted aromatics of cherry blossom and Seville orange. Classic Hellenthal.”