Expect ripe dark cherry, black raspberry, baking spice, dried herb, and a touch of forest floor with medium-to-full body, silky tannins, and the bright acidity that comes from the AVA's cool maritime fog. The 2021 California vintage was excellent.
- Varietal
- Pinot Noir
- Region
- USA / California / Santa Barbara County / Sta. Rita Hills
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Style
- dry red, ripe, structured, oak-aged, cult-status
The producer
Sea Smoke is a single-estate Pinot Noir specialist in Sta. Rita Hills, founded in 1999 by Bob Davids. The estate sits on a south-facing hillside in the western (cooler) end of the AVA and has built a major cult following. Southing is one of three flagship bottlings — Southing, Ten, and Botella — sourced from specific blocks within the estate.
What critics say
Sea Smoke Pinots consistently receive scores in the mid- to high-90s and have a strong collector following. Allocations are tightly managed.
Pairing
Roasted duck breast, grilled lamb chops, mushroom-forward dishes