Ceritas ' Cuvee Annabelle' Pinot Noir Sonoma 2020
VINTAGE : 2020
COUNTRY : USA
REGION/APPELLATION : California, Sonoma Coast
VARIETALS : Pinot Noir
VINEYARD : Kings Ridge Vineyard
Brainchild of husband and wife duo of John and Phoebe Raytek, Ceritas sells out instantly on the mailing list and a few lucky retailers ( AWCO ) are able to secure small quantities from time to time. Phoebe is a sonoma native having grown up in the famed Porter Bass vineyards ( owned by her Parents) Both John and Phoebe believe that quality of the fruit is what drives commitment to their growers and vineyard sites
Cuvée Annabelle, named after one of their twin daughters, is sourced from the Kings Ridge Vineyard owned by our friend Red Car, high up in the mountainous part of the Fort-Ross Seaview sub-appellation of the West Sonoma Coast. Here only the ridgetops can be planted due to the steepness of the terrain placing the vines in the cool sunshine found at elevation. Surrounding the site is an old-growth redwood forest that protects the site from the coastal winds. Viticulturalist Greg Adams chose high-density planting (2400 vines/acre) resulting in small vines growing intense fruit while driving the roots deep into the hard sandstone soils with high concentrations of quartz.
Small tight clusters with small berries result in a wine of great depth and concentration while retaining the acidity typical of this area.
"From an exceptionally windy, exposed site at 1800 feet, the 2020 Pinot Noir Cuvee Anabell is highly aromatic of fresh alpine herbs, wild raspberry, and fresh soil. The palate is more structured, with darker fruit of fresh red plum skin, turned earth, and spice. This wine will benefit from time in bottle to integrate its structure. Drink it over the next 15 years." Jeb Dunnuck 95 points