Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2013

Although it is undeniably big and intense, this Pinot Noir also has a softer, gentler side.  The overall sensation is of power dancing with elegance.  The wine offers meltingly soft and seductive dark fruits, but it also has an edgier earthiness that is missing to all too many Pinots these days.  Firm tannins and a long finish are part of the charm of “Ten.”