Renowned Pinot Noir producer Sea Smoke enters the sparkling wine arena with this beautiful bottling. Winemaker Victor Gallegos first produced a sparkling wine from the 2008 vintage, but wanted to give appropriate time in the bottle for evaluation of the possibilities prior to producing a second vintage. Thankfully, the time spent proved the viability of the program. After 6 months on the lees in French oak, this 100% Pinot Noir spent sixteen months in the bottle, and was disgorged and cork finished without adding a dosage. The ‘11 is very forward in its aroma profile, displaying strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, fresh baked bread, lemon zest, tangerine and a bit of lavender. On the palate it shows a delightfully creamy feel, vibrant acidity and elegant effervescence, delivering the nose elements directly as flavors with a long mouthwatering finish. This goes right to the head of the class of domestic Blanc De Noir, and it’s got some aging potential to boot.
Sea Smoke Cellars, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Blanc De Noir 2011
By Rich Cook