2021 Chardonnay Zephyr Vineyard

The 2021 Chardonnay Zephyr is a deep, potent wine with a rich mid-palate and tons of sheer richness. Dried citrus, herbs, crushed rocks and anise lend nuance to this distinctly broad-shouldered, phenolic Chardonnay. The Zephyr is first and foremost a wine of texture, as fruit is pushed to the background, typical of the West Sonoma Coast. Then again, the Zephyr is sourced from the Red Car estate in Freestone.

The 2021 Chardonnay Zephyr pours a vibrant straw with green highlights and opens in the glass to notes of lime blossom, chive, and hints of tropical fruit and sea spray. It retains ripeness throughout, with fresh lime, green apple, white flowers, and fresh herbs, as well as saline and sea spray. Drink this over the next decade. Helmed by founder John Raytek, Ceritas was established with their first vintage in 2005. Today, 14 wines are produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon, all from dry-farmed historical sites poised to channel the style the team wants to create. Each of the sites is farmed organically or biodynamically. Initially focusing solely on what is now the West Sonoma Coast, in 2011 they expanded their reach to the Santa Cruz Mountains, and most recently to Moon Mountain and Napa. In 2015, they moved into a new barrel room in Healdsburg, where they operate today. Having no investors or partners in the project allowed John and his team to experiment and only bottle wines they wished to produce. From a winemaking perspective, they strive for minimal intervention in the cellar. Their oak selections are sourced from two coopers and utilize a light toast from selections with a tight grain. The wines express a pure, focused style that will appeal to those who seek tension and precision. Recent news from the estate includes the acquisition of key Chardonnay holdings in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, which I eagerly anticipate. Additionally, the public can now visit the winery in the heart of Healdsburg for tastings by appointment via their website.