2018 Sea Smoke Cellars Pinot Noir Ten Sta. Rita Hills 750 ml

Sta. Rita Hills, just north of LA in the western portion of Santa Barbara County, has a special combination of aspect, soil, and climate that lends itself to be one of the most celebrated of the Pacific coast sites. Here the coastline takes a dramatic turn inward; putting the ocean to the west and south. It has summertime temperatures cooler than Carneros or Russian River Valley, with the added benefit of all that amazing California sun. And if you have ever enjoyed the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, or Syrah from this special place- you understand how special it is! The wines have verve and energy as a result of the long steady growing season. 

The Sea Smoke Cellars 2018 Ten Pinot Noir is named for the use of ten clones from the estate vineyard. This is the power to the Southing’s finesse. The fruit is very dense but not overripe, like mixed-berry pie filling without the sweetness. It is also reminiscent of holiday spice. The tannins on this wine are not to be ignored, demanding to be paired with roasted lamb or duck confit.