2021 Ceritas Chardonnay Astra
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Tasting notes
A wine that will only be produced in great vintages, the 2021 Chardonnay Astra is a blend coming from both the Carex Vineyard (which lends the wine its structural backbone) and the Charles Heintz Vineyard (which provides an elegant, sunny warmth to the blend). It was raised in 75% new barrels, which disappear into the fabric and texture of the wine. Bright silver/straw-colored, on the nose it reveals a layered bouquet of green pear, raw honeycomb, rocky earth, saline, and orange blossoms. An outstanding textural Chardonnay, the palate is medium to full body, with a luxurious, rounded mid-palate, polished, chalky texture, and a crystalline finish. This is an exceptional wine that I highly encourage readers to snatch up if you can. Drink 2025-2040.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
About the producer
Created in 2005 by John Raytek, Ceritas is one of California’s most exciting producers. The project is focused on making single-site wines from Northern California’s coastal regions, largely Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.