Ceritas

Marena Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

9.129 ratings
9.210 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.2

I’ve had a few different Ceritas wines, but not all. This was my first experience with their entry level Marena Chardonnay.

If this is what age can do for this type of wine, I can’t imagine what their single vineyards show like with time. I expected this to show well, but didn’t expect it to show really well! Right out of the gate, a small hint of matchstick, sweet honeysuckle, and grilled lemon aromatically. High quality Chablis-like on the palate. Not sure of oak use, but it’s not steely. There’s mineral-like vibes to it, but everything comes back to underripe tropical fruit and meyer lemons. Drank it alongside other wines, but food would make it shine.

I’ve had a few different Ceritas wines, but not all. This was my first experience with their entry level Marena Chardonnay.

If this is what age can do for this type of wine, I can’t imagine what their single vineyards show like with time. I expected this to show well, but didn’t expect it to show really well! Right out of the gate, a small hint of matchstick, sweet honeysuckle, and grilled lemon aromatically. High quality Chablis-like on the palate. Not sure of oak use, but it’s not steely. There’s mineral-like vibes to it, but everything comes back to underripe tropical fruit and meyer lemons. Drank it alongside other wines, but food would make it shine.

Apr 3rd, 2023
Eric Urbani

Great intro to Ceritas if you are new to John Raytek’s wines.

Great intro to Ceritas if you are new to John Raytek’s wines.

Jan 19th, 2019
Will Costello MS

Master Sommelier, Wine Director Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

9.2

Great acid backbone with the sweetness of the Cali fruit starting to show a bit more. These are slow to evolve so I’d say it’s in a solid place.

Great acid backbone with the sweetness of the Cali fruit starting to show a bit more. These are slow to evolve so I’d say it’s in a solid place.

Dec 30th, 2018
Marc Stubblefield

Wine Sales at Vino Carta and Kogod Wine Merchant

9.1

While Cali Chardonnay is not usually where I find my happy place, this is pretty damn drinkable. There's an engaging tension for me, lots of rich but not over ripe fruit for the cali-chardophiles. Makes everyone happy.

While Cali Chardonnay is not usually where I find my happy place, this is pretty damn drinkable. There's an engaging tension for me, lots of rich but not over ripe fruit for the cali-chardophiles. Makes everyone happy.

1 person found it helpfulMay 23rd, 2017
Michael Sinowitz

Loads of lemon/ citrus. Oak is invisible. Riper end of Ceritas chards. Some fleshy texture sandwiched between the citrus and the acid that's on the finish. Delicious and refreshing chard. Even better than my first bottle.

Loads of lemon/ citrus. Oak is invisible. Riper end of Ceritas chards. Some fleshy texture sandwiched between the citrus and the acid that's on the finish. Delicious and refreshing chard. Even better than my first bottle.

Jun 21st, 2017
Vinny Eng

Celebrating Lulu McAllister's final service at Nopa. Godspeed, veritas en ceritas!

Celebrating Lulu McAllister's final service at Nopa. Godspeed, veritas en ceritas!

Jan 4th, 2017
Michael Sinowitz

Very tasty. With neutral oak and bright, citrusy acidity comes through. Crisp and linear.

Very tasty. With neutral oak and bright, citrusy acidity comes through. Crisp and linear.

Dec 25th, 2016
Boxer Briefs

When in Rome...
Not too often I pay more than the delectable "buy now" price...this time almost double. I keep trying to recreate the first bottle of Ceritas I had...doesn't work. fine and enjoyable but it's not anything special. Except it's not standard Cali Chardonnay...

When in Rome...
Not too often I pay more than the delectable "buy now" price...this time almost double. I keep trying to recreate the first bottle of Ceritas I had...doesn't work. fine and enjoyable but it's not anything special. Except it's not standard Cali Chardonnay...

May 16th, 2017
yousef saed

Extremely piercing acid, like biting into a large lemon. Slight hint of creaminess that eventually dissipates.

Extremely piercing acid, like biting into a large lemon. Slight hint of creaminess that eventually dissipates.

Oct 19th, 2019
Eric Manago

The Marena more-so than the other Ceritas chards is marked by its bright acidity and youthful verve. Enjoyed the 14 a bit more than the 13 or 15. It’s a little more approachable early on.

The Marena more-so than the other Ceritas chards is marked by its bright acidity and youthful verve. Enjoyed the 14 a bit more than the 13 or 15. It’s a little more approachable early on.

Feb 17th, 2018