The 2022 Littorai Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the standout single-vineyard Pinot Noirs from California’s Anderson Valley, crafted by Ted Lemon of Littorai - a pioneering producer widely regarded as one of the most Burgundy-influenced and terroir-focused winemakers in the United States. Cerise Vineyard sits high in the hills above Boonville between 800 and 1,100 feet elevation, where steep slopes, poor soils and dramatic day-night temperature swings create Pinot Noir with exceptional concentration, freshness and structure.
The 2022 vintage is particularly significant as it marks the final bottling of Cerise Vineyard Pinot Noir for Littorai after a long-standing relationship with the site. The growing season delivered small yields and concentrated fruit, resulting in a wine of impressive depth and energy. Littorai’s minimalist philosophy - including biodynamic farming, native yeast fermentation and restrained oak usage - allows the vineyard character to remain at the forefront. The wine spent around 16 months in French oak, approximately 25% new, before bottling without fining or filtration.
The nose is intensely expressive and layered, showing blackberry, black cherry, cranberry and mulberry alongside rose petal, forest floor, bark, mushroom, iron and exotic spice. Community and critic reviews consistently highlight the wine’s complexity, tension and evolving aromatic profile with air.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with remarkable precision and structure. Red and dark berry fruit are framed by bright acidity, chalky tannins and a distinctive mineral core. Notes of cranberry, black cherry, spice, earth and subtle savoury complexity flow through a long, energetic finish. Compared to richer Californian Pinot Noir styles, Cerise is more restrained, site-driven and Burgundian in personality, emphasising finesse, freshness and terroir transparency rather than sheer ripeness or oak influence.
Ben’s Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, Littorai is one of the benchmark producers for serious American Pinot Noir, often attracting Burgundy collectors because of Ted Lemon’s deep connections to Burgundy and his focus on site expression. Compared to Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Cerise Vineyard tends to show more structure, mineral tension and savoury complexity; compared to top Burgundy, it offers slightly more fruit generosity while retaining remarkable elegance. The fact that 2022 is the final Cerise Vineyard release makes this especially compelling for collectors. This is not a plush, fruit-forward California Pinot - it’s a cellar-worthy, terroir-driven wine built around precision, complexity and longevity. Drink from 2027 onwards or cellar comfortably for 15–20+ years. Perfect with duck, game birds, mushroom dishes, truffle preparations or refined fine dining.
