The 2017 Pinot Noir Trout Gulch Vineyard is another powerful wine in this range. The typical energy and tension of this Santa Cruz Mountains site are very much in evidence, but I am also impressed by the sheer intensity, inner perfume and richness of the fruit. Brisk saline and mineral- infused notes give the 2017 its striking persistence. Although it is embryonic,the Trout Gulch is simply exceptional.
2017
Ceritas Trout Gulch Vineyard Pinot Noir 2017 6x75cl 97/100 VN
Top Score: 97 points
“the Trout Gulch is simply exceptional.”
Price IN BOND
£500.00 6 x 75cl Bottles
1 in stock
| Colour | Red |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
97 points Vinous
The winery: Ceritas
Ceritas is one of the most admired producers in California for its uncompromising approach to terroir expression. Founded by John and Phoebe Raytek, the winery has built its reputation on crafting wines that reflect the cool coastal vineyards of Sonoma Coast and Santa Cruz Mountains. Their philosophy is deeply rooted in minimal intervention, with native yeast fermentations, restrained use of oak, and an emphasis on balance rather than power. The wines are often described as crystalline, transparent, and precise, echoing the traditions of Burgundy while maintaining a distinct Californian identity. Each vineyard they work with is treated as a singular voice, highlighting soil, elevation, and climate. In this sense, Ceritas has become a reference point for those seeking Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that capture place rather than winemaking technique. Critics and collectors alike often praise their consistency, elegance, and ability to age gracefully.
Trout Gulch Pinot Noir 2017
The Trout Gulch Vineyard, planted in the early 1980s just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, offers one of the most compelling expressions of Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir. Its cool marine influence and sandy loam soils create wines of tension, energy, and aromatic lift. The 2017 vintage from Ceritas shows this character with striking clarity: red berries both ripe and tart, hints of baking spice, and a delicate forest floor nuance beginning to emerge with bottle age. Critics noted the persistence and saline minerality that carry through the finish, adding depth and precision. While approachable in its youth, the wine also has the backbone to reward mid-term cellaring. Scoring highly across major platforms, it has been recognized for its finesse and light-perfumed style, proving how a coastal site can deliver power wrapped in elegance. This bottling exemplifies the harmony between vineyard site and the restrained hand of Ceritas.
