2019 Ceritas Chardonnay Trout Gulch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2019 Chardonnay Trout Gulch bristles with all of the energy that makes this site so distinctive. White flowers, chalk, mint, citrus and salt are all finely cut in a Chardonnay that bristles with tension. As always, the Trout Gulch stands out for its super-distinctive personality. Harvest was on October 3, very late by present-day standards. Old vines planted in 1971, on sand, in this cool site, are just magic.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Trout Gulch sits in a narrow slot canyon in the southern Santa Cruz Mountains. Proximity to the Pacific Ocean makes this their coldest Chardonnay site. Cool ocean air is pushed up into the canyon in the evening and holds long into the early hours of the following day, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and steadily. The uplifted oceanic floor soils are well-drained and do not retain heat, pushing the coolness deep into the root zone. Very focused wine with marked acidity – almost too much. Not to be served too cool. Bracing Chablis style. (JR)
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.