A BROODING AND INTENSE EXPRESSION OF THE SANTA RITA HILLS
Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2022 is an intense and complex wine crafted exclusively from ten unique clones of Pinot Noir, grown on the estate vineyard in the cool-climate Santa Rita Hills. This wine, named for the diversity of its clonal composition, embodies the depth and richness that define the pinnacle of Sea Smoke’s winemaking philosophy. Each vintage of Ten is crafted to highlight structure, boldness, and unparalleled ageability, resulting in a wine that stands out for its brooding character and nuanced profile.
This vintage opens with aromas of blueberry, cassis, and lavender, evolving into exotic spice notes of hazelnut, thyme, and licorice. The palate is bold and layered, supported by firm, mature tannins that promise significant aging potential. Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (56% new), the wine finishes long and velvety, with extraordinary depth and finesse.
Key Features
Ten Unique Clones: Made from a blend of ten Pinot Noir clones, reflecting the diversity and richness of the estate vineyard.
Estate-Grown Excellence: Exclusively sourced from the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard, showcasing the terroir of the Santa Rita Hills.
Meticulous Winemaking: Hand-harvested, cold-soaked, and macerated for up to 28 days to extract maximum complexity and richness.
Sophisticated Barrel Aging: Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, 56% of which are new, imparting subtle spice and structure.
Complex Aromatics: Layers of blueberry, cassis, and lavender with exotic spices, hazelnut, thyme, and licorice.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Bold aromas of blueberry, cassis, and lavender, evolving into hazelnut, thyme, licorice, and a medley of exotic spices.
Palate: Rich and layered, with firm, mature tannins supporting flavors of dark fruit, spice, and earthy undertones.
Finish: Long and velvety, showcasing its ageability and depth.
How to Enjoy
Best Served: Serve at 55-60°F in a Burgundy glass to emphasize its bold aromatics and layered flavors.
Decanting: Decant for 45-60 minutes to unlock the full complexity of this intense Pinot Noir.
Food Pairing: Perfectly pairs with braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom dishes, or aged cheeses like Comté and Manchego.
