Wine Tasting Notes
Very limited! Certified Organic & Biodynamic.
This 2022 Pinot Noir is sourced completely from Sea Smoke's estate vineyard. It is comprised of ten different Pinot clones, from which the wine takes its name. Ten is not for the faint-of-heart and has been known, on occasion, to convert even the most fanatic Cabernet lover.
Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of black tea, blackberry and orange rind, then a myriad of savory spices, and a hint of jasmine. Firm, mature tannins - evidence of ageability - are followed by a long, velvety finish.
 
"Sea Smoke Cellars, Lompac, CA, a small winery in the Santa Rita Hills of California, produces estate-grown Pinot Noir in a coveted stretch of land in the western end of Santa Barbara, known for its "perfect" microclimate, soils and sun exposure to grow world-class wine. In 1999, this sought-after stretch of land became Sea Smoke Vineyard. The new winery produces Pinot Noir grown exclusively on the south-facing hillsides of its estate vineyards, getting its name from the foggy layer emanating from the Santa Ynez River canyon, which funnels a cool fog layer, or "sea smoke," across the hillsides, perfect for Pinot Noir grapes.
Winemaker Kris Curran works directly with the vineyard crew throughout the growing season. The crew hand harvests each of what the winery calls its 10 "clones" of Pinot Noir, brought to the winery for hand sorting. Each clone is kept separate throughout the winemaking process, enabling Curran to develop an intimate knowledge of each barrel. The individual barrel lots form the basis of a complex flavor palette from which final blending decisions are made by the Sea Smoke winemaking team.
Sea Smoke's finest wine is called TEN, which takes its name from the 10 different Pinot clones in the vineyard. Don't forget, since the indie hit movie "Sideways" made the Big Screen, it triggered an earthquake of interest in California vintners and, especially in Pinot Noir."
Intense, brooding, fruit-forward, rounded mouthfeel, and not for the faint of heart...