2018 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten

The 2018 Pinot Noir Ten is a classic Sea Smoke wine. Dark, ample and enveloping, the 2018 possesses notable richness and volume right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit cherry, plum, mocha, lavender and sweet spice all meld together, framed by supple, silky tannins that add considerable immediacy and overall appeal. Sea Smoke might be the single most evocative vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills, maybe all of Santa Barbara. The huge, sprawling ranch offers breathtaking views pretty much in every direction. General Manager Victor Gallegos has streamlined the Pinot lineup to essentially two wines; the Southing, which is generally floral and bright in profile, and the deeper, richer Ten bottling. The Pinots are made from fully destemmed fruit and spend around 16 months in barrel. (AG)