Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2022 750mL

AN ELEGANT EXPRESSION OF THE SANTA RITA HILLS

Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2022 is a stunning representation of Pinot Noir from the cool-climate Santa Rita Hills. Crafted exclusively from estate-grown grapes, this vintage reflects the meticulous attention to detail that defines Sea Smoke’s winemaking philosophy. Each year, Southing is crafted to achieve an ideal balance of complexity, elegance, and terroir-driven character.

This wine is characterized by an ever-changing aromatic profile, showcasing fresh currant, delicate strawberry, and rose aromas with nuanced notes of dried fruit, fennel, clove, and nutmeg. The palate is silky and refined, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a distinctive minerality that is a hallmark of the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. Aged for 16 months in 42% new French oak barrels, this Pinot Noir is both expressive and sophisticated, offering a long, seamless finish.

Key Features

100% Estate Pinot Noir: Crafted exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir, reflecting the unique terroir of the Santa Rita Hills.
Cool-Climate Elegance: Showcases the vibrant acidity and minerality that are signatures of the region’s cool-climate vineyards.
Meticulous Winemaking: Includes hand-harvesting, cold soaking, manual punch downs, and low-pressure pressing to preserve the wine’s purity and finesse.
Sophisticated Barrel Aging: Aged for 16 months in French oak barrels (42% new), enhancing the wine’s complexity and depth.
Dynamic Aromatics: Fresh currant, strawberry, and rose aromas with subtle hints of clove, fennel, and nutmeg.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: A dynamic nose of fresh currant, strawberry, and rose, with secondary notes of dried fruit, fennel, clove, and nutmeg.
Palate: Elegant and silky, with fine tannins, vibrant cool-climate acidity, and a subtle minerality.
Finish: Long and seamless, leaving a lasting impression of balanced fruit and spice.

How to Enjoy

Best Served: Serve slightly chilled at 55-60°F in a large Pinot Noir glass to emphasize its aromatic and textural finesse.
Decanting: Decant for 30-45 minutes to allow the wine’s intricate aromas and flavors to unfold.
Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with roasted duck, seared salmon, wild mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses like Gruyère or Brie.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What makes Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2022 unique?
   This wine is crafted exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir, reflecting the cool-climate elegance and minerality of the Santa Rita Hills, with a meticulous winemaking process that enhances its complexity and finesse.

2. What flavors can be expected in Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2022?
   Expect vibrant aromas of currant, strawberry, and rose, complemented by nuanced notes of dried fruit, fennel, clove, and nutmeg, along with a silky palate and vibrant acidity.

3. How should this wine be served?
   Serve slightly chilled at 55-60°F in a Pinot Noir glass, and consider decanting for 30-45 minutes to reveal its full aromatic complexity.

4. How long can Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2022 be cellared?
   This wine is approachable upon release but can be cellared for 8-10 years under proper storage conditions to develop additional complexity.

5. What is the influence of the French oak barrels on the wine?
   The 16-month aging in 42% new French oak barrels adds depth, subtle spice, and a polished texture to the wine, enhancing its overall balance and elegance.