Expect concentrated dark cherry, black raspberry, baking spice, dried herb, and refined oak with medium-to-full body, structured tannins, and bright acidity. The 2020 California vintage was challenging due to wildfires; producer-by-producer quality varied — Sta. Rita Hills was less affected than some North Coast regions.
- Varietal
- Pinot Noir
- Region
- USA / California / Santa Barbara County / Sta. Rita Hills
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Style
- dry red, structured, oak-aged, cult-status, age-worthy
The producer
Sea Smoke's "Ten" is the estate's flagship Pinot, named for the ten Pinot Noir clones planted on the Sea Smoke estate. Sourced from select blocks for additional concentration and structure relative to the Southing bottling.
What critics say
Sea Smoke Ten consistently receives the highest scores in the Sea Smoke portfolio, regularly in the high-90s. Considered one of the most age-worthy California Pinots.
Pairing
Roasted duck breast with cherry reduction, grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto