2012 Ceritas Pinot Noir Porter Bass Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Pinot Noir Porter-Bass Vineyard is one of the lighter wines in the range, especially on the mid-palate, where some of the typical Ceritas depth is missing. It will be interesting to see if this feminine, gracious Pinot fills out over time. Today, the tannins finish a bit dry, suggesting that the fruit is lacking.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Bright ruby. Vibrant red fruit and floral scents are complicated by smoky mineral and allspice notes. Juicy, focused and pure, with spicy raspberry and cherry flavors that put on weight with air. Quite suave and utterly seamless in texture. Finishes extremely long and on an intensely spicy note, with silky tannins adding shape and gentle grip. This was vinified with 50% whole clusters.
A hugely delicious wine, the 2012 Pinot Noir Porter-Bass is soft, floral and lifted. Sweet red berries, rose petals and spices lift from the glass. The style is round, sensual and gracious throughout. The inclusion of 50% whole clusters is felt in the wine's perfume and aromatic nuance. This is a decidedly delicate style for the year. I can't wait to see where things go from here. The Porter-Bass Pinot is made from a blend of Swan, Calera and Chambolle clones.
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.