A fine Blanc de Noir, though it’s not labeled on the front as such, opting for focus on the proprietary name. No matter — this 100% Pinot Noir offering is great stuff. It’s a small batch, in-house production that was aged in neutral oak prior to bottling for the secondary fermentation. After 39 months en tirage, it was aged another ten months under the finishing cork before release. As you’d expect, the wait turns out to be well worth the time investment. It is completely dry, as in zero percent residual sugar, but it drinks like a fine tuned brut with all of its fruit freshness up front. Hints of brioche add depth to the citrus and stone fruit aromas and flavors, and a dash of marzipan adds a creamy kiss to the finish. As always, this is a top-flight bottle that will dial up a celebration whether you open it for one or not. Drink now as an uber fresh delight, or age long term if you like some autolysis. Excellent.
95 Rich Cook
Sea Smoke, Sta. Rita Hills (Santa Barbara County, California) Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard “Sea Spray” Sparkling Wine 2020 ($90)
By Rich Cook
