Sea Smoke TEN Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills 2022

"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...