WTN: Ceri-toss-up

[David M. Bueker]

2012 Ceritas Chardonnay Heintz Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Sonoma Coast (1/29/2015)
This is going to be controversial, in that my view on this wine is about 180 degrees out of step with most folks. I do enjoy Ceritas wines, and I have been a fan of the Porter Bass and Peter Martin Ray Chardonnays (not to mention the couple of Pinot Noirs I have tried), but I could not get my arms around this one to find enjoyment. I followed it over several hours (yes - I kept giving it chances), and each sip seemed disjointed, oaky, harshly acidic, and at the same time creamy and almost cloyingly sweet. The wine was all over the place, and just plain grumpy. I guess I will say judgement reserved, as this showing makes no sense to me in the context of what others (including some palates I trust) have found but I really did not like this one bit.

A timely note, David. I was thinking of including this wine in a winetasting next Saturday. Instead, I think I will include the 2011 vintage which may be in a better place. I also have 2008 and 2009 Lioco Heintz Chardonnay but the 2008 may be past its optimal drinking window. I will offer a Talbott Sleepy Hollow Chardonnay from grapes grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County for comparison with the Heintz Chardonnay. Then we will move on to two Pinot Noirs and then explore a variety of Ports with the theme "Any Port in a Storm."

[David M. Bueker]

Sounds good.

I am having a glass of the Heintz tonight, and it's not showing so weird, but there is still something out of balance.