Producer Spotlight: Ceritas - a story of craft and precision

Earlier this year, a few folks from the wine group and I visited Ceritas in Sonoma—and I’ll be honest: I’d never even heard of them beforehand. Then I tasted the wines and my brain basically short-circuited. Ceritas is a tiny, site-obsessed producer that works with coastal Sonoma vineyards, picking earlier and leaning into finesse over power. The result feels like a best-of-both-worlds cheat code: unmistakably California terroir, but with the restraint, texture, and the precision you normally associate with Burgundy.

Since that visit, I’ve put together a small stash—and I’m excited to share six bottles with the group, all with enough age to show just how seriously ageworthy these wines are. We’ll taste 3 Pinot Noirs and 3 Chardonnays, including a mystery bottle of Burgundy slipped into the lineup for a little blind fun: “Find the Burgundy.”

Nice Matin Dinner Menu

Nice Matin is located at 201 W. 79th Street, the corner of Amsterdam Ave.

** The cost of this event is $65 and is for the cost of the wines.

NOTE: Meetup has started charging a "Partner Fee" that is above and in addition to the listed price of the event. It is annoying and confusing, but there is nothing I can do about it. It comes to approximately $4 more for each RSVP. You will see this charge when you complete your rsvp and pay for the event. MEETUP+ members are exempt from this charge.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). You will be expected to order at least 2 dishes (an appetizer and a main, or main and dessert) to help support the restaurant.

Please read and understand the group's cancellation policy. If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $6 service fee.

The Wines (notes will be distributed at the dinner):

2018 Ceritas Chardonnay Trout Gulch ($69)
Jeb Dunnuck (94 pts): This wine is expressively aromatic with notes of lemon custard, toasted brioche, and ripe green apple. The palate is high-toned and tightly wound, featuring a persistent mineral texture of crushed rock and saline alongside fresh lemon and baking spice.

2018 Ceritas Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray ($69)
Wine Advocate (93 pts): This vintage offers deeper, savory tones of nori and iodine mixed with crushed hazelnuts, flowers, and a core of stone fruit. The palate is rounded, earthy, and refreshed by lively acidity.

2021 Ceritas Chardonnay Peter Martin Ray ($77)
Jeb Dunnuck (95 pts): Expressive with floral aromas and ripe orchard fruit like apricot and delicate oak spice. The medium-to-full-bodied palate has a silky mineral texture with notes of hay and fresh herbs.

Mystery Burgundy Red ($79)
Tasting Notes: The wine presents a beautiful red color with dark reflections. Its aromatic profile is characterized by sublime, fresh, and delicate fruity notes, leading to a palate that balances fruit freshness with a superb, long finish.

2019 Ceritas Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard ($85)
Vinous (93 pts): Built on resonance and power, this wine shows depth and gravitas while maintaining finesse. Clean mineral notes support a bracing finish, with 60% whole-cluster inclusion nicely balanced.

2021 Ceritas Pinot Noir Hellenthal Vineyard Old Shop Block ($94)
Jeb Dunnuck (95 pts): Described as "explosive with purity and perfume," it carries notes of violet, black raspberry eau de vie, and fresh pine. It is broad on the palate with generous fruit and a long, clean finish.