2022 Ceritas Elliot Pinot Noir

We like this neighborhood. Elliot Vineyard tucks itself between Hellenthal Vineyards and the easternmost boundary of the Hirsch Vineyard. We were drawn to this site, planted in 1981 to the Mt. Eden clone of Pinot Noir, partly because of its unique perch, but primarily because its soils offer what we look for in a Pinot vineyard.

These shale soils are intermixed with decomposed marine sediments with slightly less clay than the neighboring Hellenthal vineyard. No soil amendments are added, enabling the ground to impart pure influence upon the vines. Organically and dry-farmed by the Hellenthal family, this vineyard straddles the ridge of parent rock, giving it the unique position of facing north and south. We harvest this vineyard in multiple passes, thereby obtaining maximum site expression. The resulting wine is bright and delicate, offering light perfume and excellent transparency.