2009 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
The “Ten” designation refers to the number of Pinot Noir clones planted and used in the blend. Translucent dark ruby/plum color. Deep floral scents lead to black and blue fleshy fruit, followed by pie spices. It’s tightly wound now, but everything seems to be in place for a superlative Pinot experience in five to ten years. Just hide it somewhere in the cellar where you won’t be tempted to grab it earlier. Re-tasted after being open 24 hours, the fruit had finally emerged, and a note of lavender was present. This reinforces the initial finding that this is a wine for mid-term cellaring. Try again in five years.
MSRP: $80 (August 2012)
Wine Lines rating: 92+
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RATINGS EXPLAINED
80-84 points: A sound wine that shows varietal character. 85-89 points: An unflawed wine that shows some depth and concentration of aromas and flavors. 90-93 points: A Gold Medal wine of its type, showing balance, depth and secondary flavor profiles found in the best of its style. 94-97 points: Hedonistic pleasure in a glass. Remarkable balance, aromas, flavor and length. A pure expression of the varietal or type. 98-100 points: A wine for the ages! Will drink sublimely for decades. Learn more here!
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