2010 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
This blend of 10 clones of Pinot Noir grapes is translucent neon ruby in hue, lightening at the rim. Structured to be an ageworthy wine, the nose of this 2010 vintage is initially dark and closed. With ample coaxing of time and aeration, dark berry… Read more
2010 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Translucent bright ruby color. Refreshing aromas of strawberry jam, perfumed flowers, spiced cranberry, light cola and a hint of mushroom earthiness. Initially light as it enters the palate, the wine gathers weight and shows a tad of heat, which… Read more
2010 Sea Smoke Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
Dark straw color. The nose offers up a cornucopia of seductive scents — honey, toast, butter, spiced peach, white flowers and a hint of hazelnut. The wine delivers in the mouth, where the flavors of ripe stone fruit, honey and butter blend… Read more
2009 Transcendence Pinot Noir, Babcock Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Translucent garnet color. The wine offers up ample varietal aromas of dark berry and black cherry fruit, wood spice, vanilla, green tea and sweet tar. There is a sleek mouthfeel, where the fruit sweetens up a bit. Nicely balanced. Ripe, fleshy black… Read more
2011 Transcendence Chardonnay, Zotovich Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
In the last five years, a niche has been carved out for “unoaked,” non-malolactic Chardonnays because they tend to be more food-friendly. This one has much to recommend it. Restrained aromas of pear, light pineapple, orange and lemon blossom,… Read more
2010 Beckmen Estate Syrah, Santa Ynez Valley
Nearly opaque purple-plum color. Varietal aromas and flavors of fat black and blue fruits, light black pepper notes, sea salt minerality, and licorice/tar. The wine has a supple mouthfeel, ending with rounded, earthy tannins. MSRP: $25 (August… Read more
2009 Alma Rosa “Mt. Edan Clone” Pinot Noir, El Jabali Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
An intriguing red, beginning with whiffs of sea salt minerality, high-toned menthol-mint and smoke. This is followed by moderate raspberry and cherry fruit. A feminine mouthfeel leads to a decidedly smoky and earthy grip at the finish. This wine… Read more
2010 Alma Rosa “Clone 115” Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Translucent ruby color. Bright raspberry and cherry fruits, with a note of smoke. Good balance and sense of lightness. MSRP: $43 (August 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2009 Alma Rosa “Clone 115” Pinot Noir, La Encantada Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Lightly sherried and candied red fruits. A good sense of weight on the palate, showing an earthy finish. Bottle open too long? MSRP: $43 (August 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
2010 Alma Rosa Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills
Transparent dark ruby color. Richer and spicier than the 2008 bottling, showing darker fruits. Some smoke notes. Still maintains a lighter, feminine feel in the mouth. MSRP: $32 (August 2012) Wine Lines rating:… Read more
