Sea Smoke’s 2012 Southing Pinot Noir delivers that rare combination of fruitiness and earthiness that only a handful of Pinots this side of Burgundy ever pull off. Dark raspberry and strawberry fruit dominate, but with hints of forest floor and sassafras lurking in the background. And unlike many, if not most, New World Pinots, Southing has a bit of grip, with firm tannins and fresh acidity. Certainly enjoyable now, but likely more enjoyable with an additional two to three years of bottle age.
Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2012
By Robert Whitley