2018 Ceritas, Elliott Vineyard Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast

The 2018 Pinot Noir Elliott Vineyard is one of the more nervous, edgy wines in this lineup. Readers will want to give it a few years to soften, as it is reticent and tightly wound in the early going. Bright mineral and savory notes drive a core of sweet red berry fruit. When I taste the 2018 I think of a lyric tenor voice that, while maybe not big in size, has the resonance to be heard all the way in the cheap seats. The Elliot is a cool, introspective Pinot that will reward those who can spend some time with it.

The medium ruby colored 2018 Pinot Noir Elliot opens with spicy licorice, bitters and cinnamon stick with a core of bright red and black berry fruit plus notes of burnt citrus peel. The palate is light-bodied, bright and saline-laced with a gently chalky structure and ethereal finish.