Ceritas Hellenthal Vineyard 'Old Shop Block' Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, USA 2021

In the late 1970’s Gard Hellenthal and David Hirsch began looking for vineyards north of Cazadero in the hills facing the Pacific. After securing land just to the east of Hirsch Vineyards, Gard planted the original vines at Hellenthal Vineyards. Two plantings went in – Old Shop Block and Elliott. We are fortunate enough to be the only winery sourcing fruit from the oldest vines on the property, affectionately known as the Old Shop Block.

This site captivates us for several reasons. The soil is a mixture of fractured sandstone and highly decomposed sandstone soils, which provide ideal grounds for Pinot Noir. Most importantly, the wine bears forth-great earth concentration, bright red fruit, and lingering tannins. Second, these dry-farmed vines are home to the own-rooted Calera clone – the only own-rooted vines that Ceritas farms- which allows a direct translation from the soil to the vine.

"A ripe ruby, the 2021 Pinot Noir Hellenthan is explosive with purity and perfume, taking on a touch of violet and black raspberry eau de vie, as well as fresh pine. Medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, approachable structure and notes of fresh dusty earth, it lends more broadness on the palate, with generous fruit, and has a long, clean finish. Drink it over the next 15 years."  Jeb Dunnuck 95