2013 Ceritas Hacienda Secoya Vineyard Pinot Noir

Ceritas was started in 2005 by John Raytek and Phoebe Bass. The husband and wife team make wine from vineyard sources in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the west Sonoma Coast and Anderson Valley. Raytek is the winemaker and Bass, who grew up in a family that owns and manages vineyards, directs the farming operations for each Ceritas vineyard. Of particular note is Ceritas’ relationship with the Peter Martin Ray vineyards in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The historic vineyard dates to the 1940s and was the source for some of the earliest and most celebrated Chardonnay in California. Ceritas also sources grapes from Porter Bass vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, which is owned by Bass’ parents. Ceritas makes limited production Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, available primarily through Ceritas mailing list. The winery is in Santa Rosa.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.