Sea Smoke Cellars

Articles About Sea Smoke Cellars

Reviewed Wines

2018 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $N/A. Released October 2020. 100% destemmed, inoculated with cultured yeasts after a 5-day cold soak, and aged in French oak barrels, 28% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Very complex nose displaying aromas of earthy flora, black cherry, white pepper, tarragon, and seasoned oak. A delightful wine with a discrete concentration of black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors with a valued touch of spice. A little more elegant than the 2017 Southing but offering a very long finish like that wine. Excellent rapport between the fruit, tannins and acidity. Score: 94. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2018 Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., N/A. Released October 2020. 100% destemmed, inoculated with cultured yeasts after a 5-day cold soak, and aged in French oak barrels, 68% new. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Brooding aromas initially exhibiting aromas of earth-charged dark fruits. Mid-weight plus in size, with plenty of blackberry and cassis fruit to satisfy. Oak plays a noticeable role.Tightly coiled, with an extremely long, black raspberry infused finish. More personality when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Typically the Southing bottling is more approachable and features dark red fruits. The Ten bottling is bigger, richer, and displays more tannin and oak input while blacker fruits are featured. Score: 94. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.7% alc., $70. Released October 2019. 100% destemmed, inoculated with cultured yeasts after a 5-day cold soak. Manual punch downs. Aged in French oak barrels, 28% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Really nice aromas of black raspberry, black cherry, rose petal, and damp soil. The flavors echo the aromas with a slight echo of oak. Good harmony with quenching acidity and suave tannins. The finish is amazingly long. This wine is now ready to be the centerpiece of your next special dinner. Score: 95. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., $82. Released October 2019. Composed of ten clones from which the wine takes its name. 100% de-stemmed, inoculated with cultured yeasts after a 5-day cold soak, aged in French oak barrels, 68% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark rose petal and earthy flora lead off. Mouth-filling, extravagant purple and black fruits attack the palate in a mid-weight plus style. Sleek and polished with a touch of oak. The finish is not as long as the 2017 Southing bottling but this wine has more mid palate impact. Still somewhat tight compared to the 20`17 Southing with more tannins and probably more age worthy. Much better the following day with more aromatic goodness. Score: 94. Reviewed September 19, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Sea Smoke ‘Southing’ Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.61, $65. Released October 2018. 100% gently de-stemmed, 5-day cold soak, inoculated with cultured yeasts, total maceration time of 14-18 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Patience is required to fully appreciate this wine. The ripe black fruit aromas are muted initially and only come to life over time. Stacked and packed with luscious blackberry, boysenberry and cassis fruit flavors framed by bold, yet well-mannered tannins. Mouth filling, yet elevated by bright acidity, finishing long with copious fruit persistence. This wine was considerably more suave and charming when re-tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle one and two days after opening. Decanting or further cellaring is advised. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.63, $65. Released October 2018. Whole cluster pressed into a steel tank and cold settled. Then racked to a stainless steel fermenter and inoculated for primary fermentation. Finally, racked to French oak barrels, 26% new, and aged 16 months with periodic lees stirring. Bottled without fining or filtration. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers a cornucopia of aromas including apple, citrus, pastry cream, crushed shells and a hint of flint. Richly composed, offering flavors of grilled lemon, pineapple, and toasty oak. Opulent and mouth-filling, with good alcohol integration. The texture is particularly appealing with a sleekness rather than creaminess. Spirited acidity typical of the Sta. Rita Hills infuses vigor into the luscious citrus core. Score: 93. Reviewed January 17, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Sea Smoke ‘Ten’ Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.60, $82. 100% de-stemmed after hand harvesting. After a 5-day cold soak, inoculated with cultured yeasts to begin fermentation. Manual punch downs with a total maceration time of 16 to 28 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of purple berries, spice and a shade of oak. Immediately open and giving in a mid weight plus style, featuring flavors of boysenberry and blackberry with a deft hint of oak. Expansive in the mouth with a cohesive tannic backbone and a very long and intensely fruity finish. Very polished, with fruit that offers a really charming spark of pleasure. Even better when tasted several hours later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. The balance in this wine predicts favorable age ability. A perfect accompaniment would be a grilled prime New York steak. Score: 96. Reviewed February 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2015 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

15.0% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.60, $60. Released October 2017. As vines have matured, the winemaker has chosen to use less new oak and lighter toast levels in this wine. Also, more 600-liter demi-muids are being used. Whole cluster pressed, fermented in stainless steel after inoculation, then racked to barrels and inoculated for malolactic fermentation. Aged in French oak barrels on the lees with periodic stirring for 16 months, 26% new. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose is steely and edgy with added fruit flavors of frozen lemon, cut Honeycrisp apple and pineapple. Richly endowed with vivid citrus flavors accented with tastes of apple and subtle blonde caramel. Beautifully crafted with redeeming acidity and a finish awash in citrus goodness. Like an Olympic Winter Games snowboarder: full of content and still lands on its feet. Score: 94. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.63, $64. Southing refers to the south-facing hillside bluffs on the estate vineyard. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 45% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, purple berry, underbrush and tar engage the nose. Comforting and satiny in the mouth, in an elegant but flavorful, even powerful, mid weight style, offering flavors of black cherry and boysenberry accompanied by earthbound notes. The tannins are well-behaved making for easy drinking now. Score: 92. Reviewed March 17, 2018 ARTICLE »

2015 Sea Smoke “Ten” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.62, $82. Released October 2017. Composed of ten French clones from the organic and biodynamic certified Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. A selection of the most robust wines of the vintage and as a result, the darkest and richest of the Sea Smoke bottlings. In 2015, reduced yields led to a small crop with unusually high grape concentration. Grapes were 100% de-stemmed followed by a 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters and then inoculated with cultured yeasts. Total maceration 16 to 28 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 60% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. A brooding wine that seems reluctant to engage the drinker upon opening. Rustic aromas of clay, earth and dark berry and stone fruits. A voluptuous mouthful of purple and black berry and black plum fruit flavors greet the palate along with firm but not muscled tannins. Harmonious in mouth feel and character with a purple-fruited finish that seems endless. A little more appealing when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with more aromatic goodness and fruit expression. The wine was just starting to come out of its shell three days later and was very seductive. Challenging to score this wine as it needs a few more years in bottle. Don’t even think about drinking it now. Score: 93-95. Reviewed April 15, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.54, TA 0.50, $60. Released October 2016. Whole cluster pressed before gently pumped into stainless steel tank and cold settled. Racked to French oak barrels, 55% new, and a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for primary fermentation. Subsequently, the wine was inoculated for malolactic fermentation and lees were periodically stirred. Aged for 16 months before bottling. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Enticing aromas of lemon wafer, yellow apple, spice, white chocolate and crushed sea shells. Polished in the mouth with a sophisticated bearing, offering tastes of lemon creme, apple and vanillin and a pervasive thread of minerality in the background. Well-integrated acidity with adroit oak management. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Sea Smoke Southing Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.63, $60. Cool microclimate, southern exposure, clay soils and low yields. Vineyard has been farmed organically and biodynamically since 2013. 1 to 4-day cold soak, inoculated cultured yeasts, total maceration time of 14 to 18 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Dark berries and stone fruits with a hint of spice are featured on this very pleasant nose. A luscious, but not overbearing array of dark fruits have an earthy bent and are well supported by vital tannins. Soothing in the mouth, with a deft touch of oak seasoning, integrated acidity, and a lengthy, blackberry-driven finish. Still very young, and will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed December 1, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Sea Smoke Sea Spray Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Sparkling Wine

12.01% alc., pH 3.09, TA 0.75, $80. Released October 2018. A no dosage méthode champenoise blanc de noirs from Pinot Noir grapes. Sur lie aging in neutral French oak barrels for 12 months, then extended bottle aging for 24 months prior to disgorging, with 10 months under cork prior to release. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Complex nose offering aromas of pear, pineapple, apple, hay, yeast and pistachio. Completely dry with an excellent mousse, offering flavors of quince, pear, white peach, green apple and roasted nuts. This outstanding wine is “sparkling” with excellent energy along with some finishing generosity and edgy cut. Score: 93. Reviewed June 19, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Sea Smoke “Ten” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.56% alc., pH 3.46, TA 0.62, $82. Released October 2015. The name is derived from ten low vigor French clones planted in the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. While “Ten” incorporates all ten clones, it is also a barrel selection of the richest and most extracted wines of the vintage. It is the deepest and most robust Sea Smoke Pinot Noir. The amount of new oak has gradually been reduced as has the amount of toasting as part of the ongoing winemaking evolution. 100% de-stemmed, 1 to 4-day cold soak, inoculated with cultured yeasts, total maceration time of 16 to 28 days. Both free-run and press wines were racked to oak barrels. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Upon opening, oak-infused aromas and flavors combine with a fruit-charged core of dark cherry, blackberry, pomegranate and spice. The wine showed much less oak overlay when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when the fruit became front and center. Boldly styled, with delicious fruit expression, supportive tannins, and integrated acidity. A masculine interpretation of Pinot Noir, yet not highly muscled, offering a soft, approachable tone, and a refreshingly juicy finish. Decant this beauty when you pull the cork. Score: 94. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Sea Smoke Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.59, $82. Released October 2016. Crafted from the organically farmed and biodynamic certified Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard by winemaker Don Schroeder who has been at Sea Smoke since 2003. A blend of 10 clones. 100% de-stemmed, 1 to 4-day cold soak, inoculated with cultured yeasts, manual punch downs one to three times a day, total maceration time of 16 to 28 days. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 70% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Plenty of spicy boysenberry fruit aromas are joined with subtle notes of toast and vanilla. Very welcoming in the mouth, with a suave mouthfeel, bright acidity and gentle tannins. The taste of fresh purple berry fruits have expansive energy in the mouth and on the lengthy and uplifting finish. The barrel treatment is adroitly managed. An aristocratic wine that has the balance to carry on for many years. Score: 93. Reviewed April 19, 2017 ARTICLE »

2013 Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.49, TA 0.598, $60. Released October 2015. Four clones, primarily Wente clone with additional Dijon clones. Untoasted 21-hectoliter foudre and some 600-liter demi-muids were used in fermenting the earlier-picked Dijon clones. After whole cluster pressing, the juice was racked to both French oak barrels and a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for both primary and malolactic fermentation. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and very slight haze in the glass. High class aromas of flint, steel shavings, lemon and butter. Sleek and refreshing, with a delicious infusion of peach, pear, lemon and grapefruit flavors brought to vivid expression with acidic verve. There is only a slight imprint of oak, and the polished demeanor is sublime. Score: 94. Reviewed June 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.63, $60. Southing represents the diversity of the entire Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. 100% gently de-stemmed, cold soaked for 1 to 4 days, cultured yeast fermentation, punch downs, and a total maceration time of 14 to 18 days. Free-run juice was sent to tank and pressed, with both free-run and press wines racked to barrels. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 55% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Plenty of oak-driven spice and vanilla compliment the fruit aromas of blackberry and floral notes of rose and violet. Discreetly concentrated, with flavors of purple and black fruits, graced with spice, dark chocolate and floral accents. Soothing tannins are nicely balanced by juicy acidity and there is some length on the fruit-driven finish. Score: 91. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Sea Smoke ‘Streamside’ Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.47, TA 0.598, $60. Release October 2015. Fermented in French oak barrels (55% new), stainless steel (10%) and demi-muids (10-15%), with periodic lees stirring. Aged 16 months before bottling. The stylistic sibling to the ‘Southing’ Pinot Noir. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Fragrant with scents of fresh peach, lemon, biscuit and nutty oak. Silky on the palate with resourceful flavors of lemon-lime, quince and toasty oak. Very refined with a subtle flinty minerality and some finishing presence. Score: 90. Reviewed April 20, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.58% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.65, $60 (1.5 ml $125). The name refers to the south-facing hillside block of the estate vineyard. Grapes spent an evening in the cold room after picking and sorting and then 100% de-stemmed. Musts were cold soaked for 1 to 4 days, then inoculated with cultured yeasts. Manual punchdowns were carried out three times a day, with a total maceration time of 14 to 18 days. Free-run juice was transferred to tank for settling. Pressing was carried out at very low pressure. After settling, both free-run and press wines were racked to 55% new French oak barrels for 16 months aging. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Gorgeous nose featuring spiced berries, violets, sous-bois and a hint of vanilla. The flamboyantly flavored core of black raspberry and plum is accented with spice and an undertone of earthy flora. Amazing fruit flavor, yet angelic, with a very soft and seamless demeanor, with oak adding complimentary seasoning. The fine-grain tannins are beautifully integrated and the typically bright Sta. Rita Hills acidity adds vibrancy. The finish is long and pleasing, filled with spicy plum goodness. This wine demands your attention from the get-go. Still stunning the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, when I drained the bottle. Score: 97. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Sea Smoke L.D. Sea Spray Blanc De Noirs Sparkling Wine

11.9% alc., pH 3.15, TA 0.90, $80. 100% Pinot Noir vinified by methodé champenoise. 9 months in Barrel and 24 months en tirage. A long, cool fermentation was completed in stainless steel tanks followed by once-used and neutral French oak barrels. After 9 months of aging on the lees, the wine was bottle aged an additional 24 months en tirage before disgorging. The wine was finished with no dosage. · Lovely delicate pinkish orange color in the glass. The nose is searching and complex, offering scents of yeasty lees, salty ocean, peach pit, walnut oil, and subtle cherry and raspberry fruits. Tremendous vibrancy in the mouth with a lively bead, offering flavors of peach, orange water, dried cherry, cranberry and brioche. Thoroughly dry, with noticeable persistence of flavors on the soprano finish that delivers a tight grip of acidity. This wine calls out for foie gras. Score: 94. Reviewed March 12, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc De Noirs Sta. Rita Hills Sparkling Wine

11.9% alc., pH 3.15, TA 0.90, $80. A methode champenoise wine with limited production. A long, cool fermentation began in stainless tanks, and was completed in once-used and neutral French oak barrels. After 6 months of sur lie aging in barrel, the was bottle aged an additional 16 months en tirage before disgorging, and finished with no dosage to preserve its finesse. · Delicate light salmon color in the glass with an effusive bead. Aromas of brioche, lily bouquet and sandy beach lead to discreetly intense flavors of cherry, strawberry, blood orange, apricot and rose water. A bone dry sparkler that is expansive in the mouth, finishing with mouthwatering, steely, orange-infused acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed December 10, 2014 ARTICLE »

2010 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.42% alc., pH 3.36, 0.7, $59 (Magnums $124). Released Octobers 2012. Exclusively Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 55% new French oak barrels. · Medium dark purple color in the glass. Well-endowed with seductive aromas of spice plum and dark red rose petals. Clearly a special wine that is very charming now. Discreetly concentrated flavors of plum, boysenberry and black cherry with a whisper of spice and vanilla, finishing with an intensely aromatic black cherry flourish. Beautifully composed with balanced tannins and welcoming acidity. A complete wine. Still impressive the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle. Reviewed December 8, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Sea Smoke Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.6% alc., pH 3.37, TA 0.68, $59. Released October 2012. Exclusively Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. Predominantly Wente clone with smaller amounts of Dijon clones 76, 95 and 96. Aged 16 months in 55% new French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. A majestic, full-on California style Chardonnay. Aromas of lemon curd, butter brickle, and roasted nuts. Richly flavored with notes of citrus, baked pear, and toasty oak complimented by clean, crisp acidity. Sta. Rita Hills is not just Pinot Noir country, for its Chardonnays typically offer incredibly lush, chewy, hi-tone fruit backed by generous, defining acidity. For those who relish this style of Chardonnay, it doesn’t get any better. Reviewed December 8, 2012 ARTICLE »

2010 Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.65% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.69, $82. Released October 2012. Ten clones (113, 115, 459, 667, 777, 09, 16, Pommard 5, 2A, and Mt. Eden selection) exclusively from Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 65% new French oak barrels. · Dark purple color in the glass. Very muted nose, opening very grudgingly to reveal aromas of fresh dark berry preserves. Similar in flavor to the Southing but showing more intensity, featuring dark red and black berries and cherries with an echo of oak. Rather unexpressive now but the potential is obvious. Very polished with well-managed ripe tannins and bright acidity. Spectacular the following day from a previously opened and recorked bottle, displaying flamboyant aromas of spicy berries, a creamy texture and a long, powerful finish. Cellar this sumptuous wine for several years. Reviewed December 8, 2012 ARTICLE »

2009 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.33, VA 0.67, $52. · Moderately deep reddish-purple hue in the glass. Very reserved nose offering demure aromas of black fruits, oak char and spice and violets. The black plum, cassis and black cherry fruit has impressive presence on the mid palate, underscored with appealing earthy, iron and mineral character. The tannins are fine-grain and accommodating and there is a good cut of acidity in the background. This seductive wine ends with an aromatic whiff of musk and flowers. Shows an elegance missing from previous Sea Smoke vintages. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Sea Smoke Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.9% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.63, $52. · Light straw yellow color in the glass. The nose offers reserved aromas of honeycomb, lemon pastry, sandalwood and a hint of mocha. Well-endowed with flavors of lemon curd, baked apple, roasted nuts and toasty oak. Creamy on the palate with integrated acidity and a dry, citrus-driven finish. Very good. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »

2009 Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.67, $80. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Fresh and vibrant perfume of purple berry compote, plum reduction sauce and hibiscus tea, offering displaying more intensity over time in the glass. This wine offers flavors of blackberries, Hoison sauce in perfect balance with refined tannins and vital acidity. The purity of the fruit really grabs your attention as it unfolds in layers across the palate. The mouth feel is velvety, the oak is beautifully integrated, and there is very impressive length on the fruit-laden finish and a step up in pleasure from the Southing bottling. Honed to go the distance in the cellar. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »

2005 Sea Smoke Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

$54. · The wine had been bottled only one month previous and was still a little closed. Despite this, it was obvious there was terrific stuffing here. The aromatics are very expressive of ripe fruit, and the tannins are reigned in. This is definitely a large scale, fruit-powered Pinot Noir that will appeal to lovers of a hedonistic style. Reviewed July 23, 2007 ARTICLE »

2002 Sea Smoke Southing St. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Bright aromas of darker berry compote with notes of graham and leaf. Richly endowed with appealing dark berry fruit, showing an earthy and smoky tone, and lashed with oak and firm tannins. Still holding and should last several more years but will always be a tannic wine. Good (+). Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »

2002 Sea Smoke Ten Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $ (current secondary market retail prices from $225 to $300). The inaugural vintage of Sea Smoke Ten which is composed of all ten clones planted on the Sea Smoke estate. Aged 18 months in 100% new French oak. · Plenty of confected fruit with aggressive oak on the nose. Medium-weighted dark fruits with hints of raisin and oak. Smooth and soft with fine tannins on the dry finish. Decent but not exceptional. Reviewed August 19, 2008 ARTICLE »

2001 Sea Smoke Botella Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. Inaugural vintage. · Moderately dark reddish-purple with slight bricking of the rim. Brooding aromas of prunes, oak, herbs and cardamom spice. Moderately rich and ponderous with a core of very ripe, roasted dark fruits including black raspberries and black plums. Noticeable oak tannins with hi-tone acidity on the finish. Meant for earlier drinking and has run its course. Drink up. Decent. Reviewed November 30, 2011 ARTICLE »