Sea Smoke’s Biodynamic grapes are influenced by the cool microclimate of the Santa Ynez River Canyon. This Pinot Noir is both intense and complex, with concentrated flavors of dark fruit lightly spiced with oak. Firm, well integrated tannins support the wine’s overall good structure. A little heat on the finish can be distracting (the alcohol content is 14.5 %), but this is still a very young wine whose rough edges will undoubtedly smooth out with a couple of years of cellaring. Alternatively, if you can’t wait that long (I couldn’t) decant the wine before serving it.
Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Pinot Noir 2014
By Marguerite Thomas