Description
Sea Smoke Ten Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2018
A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with
notes of Elderberry, Freesia and Fig, then a myriad of savory spices, and a hint of lavender. Firm, mature tannins evidence of Ten’s ageability—are followed by a long, velvety finish.
Our estate vineyard is located in the northern hemisphere’s southernmost – and sunniest – Region 1 microclimate, which has the coolest temperatures for grape growing. The Pacific Ocean fog (‘sea smoke’) funnels across our hillsides each afternoon, creating ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir.
Our Pinot Noir vines are planted on south-facing hillside bluffs, in ‘transition zones’ characterized by rich clay soils, aiding us in our quest for quality. This is where Pinot Noir finds its most sublime expression.
We farm our estate vineyard both organically and biodynamically, because nurturing the soil and vines – without toxic chemicals and in harmony with nature – is the right thing to do for the land, for our employees and for our customers.
Sea Smoke’s unique combination of sun, fog, soil and meticulous farming results in wines that are lush, elegant and expressive.
While our small team would love to take credit, if there’s a star in the Sea Smoke story, it’s not a person, but the rare and magical property that for years local vintners coveted for its potential to grow great Pinot Noir. In 1999, this land in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Santa Rita Hills AVA became Sea Smoke Vineyard. Located on south-facing hillside bluffs, our Sea Smoke Estate receives plenty of sunshine – but then, so does most of California. What makes our vineyard truly special is its shallow clay soils, south facing slopes, and the layer of marine fog (sea “smoke”) that travels up the Santa Ynez River canyon each evening, cooling our vines. This cooling influence makes extended ‘hangtime’ possible prior to harvest – allowing flavors and tannins to fully mature, while still maintaining lovely acidity. This results in wines that are lush, elegant and expressive.