Sea Smoke 2023 Ten Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

The 2023 “Ten” offers a bold, intense expression of estate-grown Pinot Noir—rich, dark-fruited, layered and built for both immediate enjoyment and medium-term cellaring. It delivers depth, structure and nuanced complexity more often associated with age-worthy pinot than immediate finesse.

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Origins & Craftsmanship

• The wine is produced entirely from the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard, located in the heart of the Santa Rita Hills AVA, where cool coastal breezes, fog influence and well-drained soils contribute to vibrant acidity and Pinot finesse.

• “Ten” is named for the ten different Pinot Noir clones planted on the estate, each contributing distinct character and complexity. 

• The 2023 vintage sees the wine hand-harvested, cold-soaked for five days, then fermented in open-top vessels and macerated for 16-28 days before being pressed off gently and aged in French oak barrels of which 56 % were new. 

• With an alcohol of 14.6% and a rigorous selection and winemaking regime, it’s clearly crafted for depth and structure.

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Tasting Profile

Nose: Deep and intense: blueberry, black raspberry (cassis), a hint of dark plum, underpinned by lavender, exotic spice, hazelnut shell, thyme and licorice. 

Palate: Medium-full bodied for Pinot Noir with poised power—ripe dark berry fruit, a subtle savory herbaceous layer (thyme/underbrush), firm tannins and good length. The oak and structure are evident but the fruit remains front and center.

Finish: Long and velvety yet focused—fruit lingers, tannins frame the finish cleanly, a mineral undercurrent and dry spine keep it taut rather than overly plush.

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Quick Overview