Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2022 750mL

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2022 unique?
   This wine is crafted from ten distinct Pinot Noir clones grown exclusively on the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard, highlighting the diversity and richness of the Santa Rita Hills terroir.

2. What flavors can be expected in Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2022?
   Expect bold aromas of blueberry, cassis, and lavender, followed by exotic spices, hazelnut, thyme, and licorice. The palate is rich and structured, with firm tannins and a long, velvety finish.

3. How should this wine be served?
   Serve slightly chilled at 55-60°F in a Burgundy glass, and decant for 45-60 minutes to fully express its complexity and bold character.

4. How long can Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2022 be cellared?
   This wine is built to age, with firm tannins and depth suggesting a potential cellaring period of 10-12 years under ideal conditions.

5. What is the influence of French oak barrels on the wine?
   The 16-month aging in French oak barrels, 56% of which are new, imparts subtle spice, structure, and additional layers of complexity to the wine.