Elite California Pinot Noir Vineyards III: Central Coast - Sta. Rita Hills
Domaine de la Côte
Owners: Raj Parr, Sashi Moorman and business partners acquired the 40.5-acre property from Evening Land
Vineyards. Sahsi had developed the vineyards here in 2007 along with Phillip King.
Acres: 40.5 acres of Pinot Noir organized by six vineyards: Memorious (3.5 acres), Bloom’s field (7.5 acres),
Siren’s Call (3 acres), Clos Juliet (1 acre), La Côte (9.5 acres) and 15.5 acres of appellation Sta. Rita
Hills.
Year planted: 2007
Location: Far western reaches of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, only seven miles from the Pacific Ocean in the city of
Lompoc.
Aspect: South-facing hillside rising to an elevation of 700 feet. Each vineyard has a unique aspect including
elevation and microclimate.
Pinot Noir scions: Heritage selections
Soil: A 25-million-year-old seabed with clay loam over shale and some diatomaceous earth that is unique to
the Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
Vines: Extremely high vine densities between 4,000 and 7,000 vines per acre that is unprecedented for the
Sta. Rita Hills AVA.
Farming: Organically farmed from 2007 to 2016 and then transitioned to biodynamic practices during
the 2017 growing season.
Winery clients: None, a monopole
Comments: The winery’s name translates to ‘Estate of the Slope.’ The winery in Lompoc is three miles from
the Domaine’s vineyards. Sashi Moorman is the winemaker who employs a significant amount of whole
cluster fermentation during vinification.
2012 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s Field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., magnum. 50% whole cluster
fermentation.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Very seductive nose offering soaring aromas of cherry, burnt
tobacco, sweet mulch and sap.The vibrant, middleweight flavors of black cherry and black raspberry are
enhanced with accents of clove and cardamom spices. Slightly earthy with a shadow of oak and gossamer
tannins. Juicy acidity propels the cherry-imbued finish.The wine still has 5+ years left in this format.
Score: 92
2018 Domaine de la Côte Bloom’s field Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 500 cases, $75.
·
Moderately
dark garnet color in the glass. Lovely aromas of dark rose petal, black cherry, peppery herbs, burnt tobacco
and pine sap. Less whole cluster input on the palate, showing mid-weight flavors of black cherry, black
raspberry, and spice with a subtle herbaceous underpinning. Sleek in the mouth, with matched tannins, a touch
of oak, and a lengthy finish. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. The
infusion of herbs will please whole cluster fans.
Score: 93
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/1727/
Clos Pepe Vineyard
Owners: Steve and Cathy Pepe and Cathy’s son Wes Hagen established this estate vineyard and wine label.
The couple purchased this former horse ranch property in 1994 and release the inaugural Pinot Noir in
2000 that was well-received by wine critics. With the 2015 vintage, The Pepes entered into a 15-year
vineyard lease with Hall Wines of Napa which markets Clos Pepe grapes under the Hall’s WALT label.
The Pepes retained ownership of the property and lived in the home on the estate. In May 2021, the
Pepe family listed Clos Pepe vineyards property and home for sale so the future of this vineyard is
unclear.
Acres: 24 acres of Pinot Noir and 4 acres of Chardonnay
Years planted: 1996: 14 acres of Dijon 115, 667, 777 and Pommard. 14 acres of Chardonnay were planted in
1994 but because of poor ripening, in 2001 10 acres of the Chardonnay planted to Wente clones were
budded over to Dijon clones 115 and 777 of Pinot Noir
Location: West Highway 246, 8 miles east of Lompoc, and just west of Babcock Winery.
Aspect: Gently sloping hillside location
Pinot Noir scions: Pommard, Dijon 115, 667 and 777
Soil: Well-draining calcareous shale with some sandy loam.
Farming: Sustainable, organic with biodynamic practices during Wes Hagan’s management.
Winery clients: About 25% of the estate fruit was retained for the Clos Pepe Vineyard wines that were
crafted by Wes Hagen who also managed the vineyard through the years. The last Clos Pepe Vineyard
Estate Pinot Noir was released from the 2014 vintage. There have been multiple eager clients over the
years including A.P. Vin, Arcadian, Au Bon Climat, Bonaccorsi Wine Company, Brewer-Clifton Winery,
Carr Vineyards, Clarice, Copain, Flying Goat, Hitching Post, Ken Brown Wines, Kenneth Crawford,
Loring Wine Co., Roessler Cellars, Siduri, The Ojai Vineyard, Tyler, and WALT.
Comments: The name, Clos Pepe (‘Clo Peppy’) comes from the French word ‘clos’ and the vineyard
proprietor’s name, Steve Pepe. For a full understanding of the origins and history of this vineyard,
consult the book written by Stephen Pepe, “Clos Pepe: A Vigneron’s Quest for Great Dirt,” or
get in touch with Wes who is now the winemaker for J. Wilkes Wines in the Santa Maria Valley. During
its heyday. Clos Pepe Vineyard was a shining star in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and fortunately Adam Lee is
carrying on the tradition and producing very special Pinot Noir wines under his Clarice label from this
vineyard.
2017 Loring Wine Company Clos Pepe Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 400 cases, $54,
screw cap. Clones 115 and 777. Aged 10 months in 15% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate garnet color in the
glass. Uplifting aromas of black cherry and spice rub lead to a mid weight plus styled wine with a generous
core of delicious black cherry and purple berry fruit. Supple tannins provide marvelous support and the
energetic acidity adds vigor. A compelling wine with an extremely long finish. Reviewed February 23, 2019.
Score: 94
2019 Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Quest (West) Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., $95.
Pommard and 667 clones. 33% whole cluster. 48-day extended maceration.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in
the glass. Leading off are aromas of blackberry, blueberry, pomegranate, tilled earth and seasoned oak. Midweight
plus in style, packed with a dense core of purple and black fruits that are a bit unyielding at this point. A
floral note adds charm. Showing a little more oak and tannin than the East bottling but with a flood of fruit on a
longer finish. This wine offers more nuances and I found more appealing than the East bottling. Surely this
wine will benefit from a couple of years in the cellar. Reviewed March 21, 2021.
Score: 93
2019 Beau Marchais Clos Pepe Vineyard Estate (East) Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
15.1% alc., $95. Clones
115 and Pommard.
·
Complex nose offering aromas of blackberry, cassis, violets, blueberries, underbrush, oak
spice and sweet pipe smoke. Mid-weight plus in heft with flavors that replicate the aromas with added tastes of
plum, tar and spice. Big-boned, yet sleek in texture. Infused with plenty of felty, dry tannins that contribute
some astringency to the long finish. The alcohol is well positioned in the overall balance. A tasting of the wine
the following day from an opened bottle required some coaxing in the glass to reveal itself. Reviewed March
21, 2021.
Score: 91
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/88/
Fe Ciega Vineyard
Owners: Originally, this was an estate vineyard established by Rick Longoria of Longoria Wines and owned by
Hank and Brenda Klehn. Adam Tolmach, proprietor and winemaker of The Ojai Vineyard, purchased the
vineyard in January 2021.
Acres: 9 acres of Pinot Noir on a 40-acre property
Years planted:
1998: 7.75 acres of Pinot Noir
2008: 1.25 acres of Pinot Noir and .75 acres of Chardonnay
Location: Established in the middle of a ranch at the end of Sweeney Road about 8 miles east of the Lompoc
city limits. It is at the western end of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, just west and across the Santa Ynez River
from the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard. The location is sometimes referred to as the ‘Pinot Bowl’
because other vineyards within view are La Encantada, La Rinconada, Sea Smoke, Mt. Carmel,
Bentrock, and Radian.
Aspect: Situated on a small mesa at 350 feet elevation above the Santa Ynez River with gentle southern
exposure. One block has east-west rows and the other north-south rows.
Pinot Noir scions: Pommard 5, Mt. Eden, and Dijon 115 and 667
Soil: Clay loam with shale fragments
Vines: 4’ x 8’ spacing
Farming: Tolmach plans to convert the vineyard to organic farming practices and optimize the vineyard’s
resistance to drought vintages.
Winery clients: Clients have included Longoria Wines, The Ojai Vineyard and Foxen Vineyard & Winery.
Comments: The Ojai Vineyard has produced a Fe Ciega vineyard-designated Pinot Noir since 2003. The
vineyard name was originally Blind Faith (from the band name of rock music fame) but because the
name was already copyrighted, Rick chose the Spanish translation, ‘Fe Ciega.’ Recently, Rick
Longoria announced his retirement as a longtime winery owner.
2018 The Ojai Vineyard Fe Ciega Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
12.5% alc., $53.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Engaging aromas of black cherry, rose petal and herb cupboard. Exuberant flavors of
cherry, strawberry and cherry with a bit of spice and dried herbs in a middleweight fashion. The aromas and
flavors pick up interest over time in the glass and reach a peak the following day from a previously opened
bottle. The svelte tannins and long finish complete the grand impression.
Score: 94
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/214/
Fiddlestix Vineyard
Owners: Kathy Joseph acquired the 133-acre former flower farm in 1996.
Acres: 96 (about 91 acres of Pinot Noir)
Years planted: Initial plantings date to 1998.
Location:Western end of a transverse-oriented (east-west) valley in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA at mile marker
7.28 on Santa Rosa Road across from the famed Sanford & Benedict Vineyard.
Aspect: The proximity to the Pacific Ocean (10 miles) in a narrow valley of lower latitude ensures adequately
comfortable conditions for the vines. Fog hands over the vines until mid-morning, the temperature
barely rises about 75 degrees, and the coastal breezes cool the grapes throughout the long day of
sunshine. Vines are primarily north-south facing.
Pinot Noir scions: Pommard 4 and 5, Dijon 113, 115, 667, and 777, and Swan selection
Soil: Clay intermixed with fossilized ancient sea shells and gravelly chert
Vines: 1556 vines per acre, 4’ x 7’, 4’ x 8’, and 5’ x 7’ spacing, VSP trellising.32 mini-blocks with unique
combinations of seven clones and three rootstocks (101-14, 3309, and 110 R).
Farming: Owner Kathy Joseph leads conscientious, meticulous, and sustainable farming in partnership
with Atlas Vineyard Management. Shoot thinning, leaf pulling, and crop thinning is performed numerous
times in a single season.
Winery clients: Among many, Ancien, Anglim, Arcadian, Bonaccorsi, Byron, Cold Heaven, Cornerstone
Cellars, Dragonette, Etude, Fess Parker, Hartford Court, Hitching Post, Jaffurs Wine Cellars, Pali,
Prodigal, Ryan Cochrane, RN Estate, Rusack, Summerland, and Wedell.
Comments: Kathy Joseph established Fiddlehead Cellars in 1989, producing Pinot Noir (she retains about
15% of the vineyard’s production for her own label), Grüner Veltliner, and Sauvignon Blanc (sourced).
Kathy was a pioneer among California’s women winemakers. Production is at her winery in the ‘Wine
Ghetto’ of Lompoc, and includes Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. Fiddlestix Vineyard played a
cameo role in the movie, ‘Sideways.’ Besides Pinot Noir, Fiddlestix Vineyard is planted to Chardonnay
and Grüner Veltliner.
2014 Pali Wine Co Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., $60. Clones 667, 777, 115 and
Pommard 4. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels, 50% new.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The
aromas are most vibrant upon opening, showing cherry, sweet pipe tobacco, and old leather. Agreeable midweight
spiced cherry core with added notes of black tea and earth. Firm tannins ply the background leaving
behind a bit of astringency on the finish. Alcohol does not stick out but there is awareness.
Score: 89
2017 Hartford Court Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.8% alc., 195 cases, $70. Unfined and
unfiltered.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of Bing cherry and oak spice. Light to
mid-weight in richness, featuring flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and a hint of oak spice. Very fine grain
tannins and upbeat acidity compliment the fruit core. Plenty of gentle goodness in a glamorous wine that
exudes class.
Score: 93
2018 Ancien Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.4% alc., 181 cases, $58.
·
100% de-stemmed,
5-day cold soak. Inoculated with proprietary yeasts for primary fermentation. Aged 17 months in French oak
barrels, a majority new. Wine held for a year after bottling before release. Moderately dark garnet color in the
glass. A fruit-driven nose displaying aromas of Bing cherry and boysenberry with minor notes of rose petal,
herb cracker and nutty oak. A sappy core of purple berry and plum fruit is deep on the palate. Beautifully
crafted, with integrated tannins, bright acidity and a milky softness. The vivid and flamboyant finish is
amazingly persistent. I can’t say enough good things about this wine that is the best from this vineyard that I
have tasted in recent memory.
Score: 95
2019 Cornerstone Cellars Fiddlestix Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.5% alc., 440 cases, $64. 50%
Dijon 667 and 50% Dijon 777.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Fragrant aromas of black cherry compote,
spice and toasty oak. Deep, luscious flavors of dark cherry reduction, black raspberry and tarragon. Very
polished, with admirable balance and a generously fruited and very along finish. My only nit is the noticeable
oak that plies the background.
Score: 92
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/135/
Sanford & Benedict Vineyard
Owners: Sanford Winery/Terlato Wine Group (since 2002)
Acres: 146+ acres of Pinot Noir including 51 acres of original Pinot Noir plantings
Years planted: 1971-1972: 120 acres of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
vines were planted initially. Additional plantings of Pinot Noir through the years since.
Location: Nestled in a site between the Santa Ynez Mountains and San Rafael Mountains in an east-to-west
valley adjacent La Rinconada Vineyard.
Aspect: North-south vine rows. The vineyard is a full 20 degrees cooler than Napa and Sonoma on the
hottest days making for a cool and lengthened growing season.
Pinot Noir scions: The original Pinot Noir scion was an Mt. Eden selection acquired directly from Mount Eden
and FPS 18 (Gamay Beaujolais). Currently, scions include Pommard, Wädenswil, Calera, Swan, Martini
15, 90, 91, 97, Dijon 114, 115, 667, 777, and 943 distributed over 35 blocks. Each block consists of a
single clone or selection. Each block is harvested, fermented, and aged separately.
Soils: 24 unique soil variants. A soil mapping project was initiated in 2006. Primarily calcium-rich clay loam
containing fractured shale and chert with good water-holding capacity.
Vines: Variable vine spacing and rootstocks among the different blocks. The original Pinot Noir vines are
planted on their own roots. All vines are on a VSP trellis except the original Chardonnay vines that
are California sprawl.
Farming: Sustainable and organic but not certified
Winery clients: Sanford Winery retains 60% of the fruit and the rest is sold to about 30 wineries including
Au Bon Climat, Chanin Wines, Fess Parker, Gary Farrell Winery & Vineyards, Ken Brown, Liquid Farm,
Lutum, Pence Vineyards & Winery, Racines, Sandhi, Testarossa, Tyler, WALT, Wedell Cellars,
Whitcraft, and Windrun. Most of the sourced wines are vineyard-designated. Because of the many
different blocks, clones/selections, and soils, as well as variable microclimates in different parts of the
vineyard, Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir will not taste the same from every winery client. The Sanford
Winery bottlings highlight the soil variations and uniqueness of each block. Only Sanford Winery
produces an Old Vines Pinot Noir bottling.
Comments: Richard Sanford and Michael Benedict were the first to discover the potential of the Santa Rita
Hills as an ideal region for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard is home to the oldest
Pinot Noir vines in Santa Barbara County. There are 10 blocks planted to Chardonnay (Wente, 15, 76,
96, and an S&B selection).
2016 Chanin Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., $30.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of cranberry, prickly pear and clay. Light in weight offering flavors of
oak-dusted cherry, cranberry and spice. A good grip of acidity drives the red cherry finish. Easygoing with
restrained tannins and a modest finish. Unchanged when sampled the following day from a previously opened
bottle. A solid wine but not endearing.
Score: 91
2017 Sandhi Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., $45.
·
Moderately light
garnet color in the glass. Whole cluster driven aromas of spiced cherry, strawberry, and burnt tobacco. Lighter
and elegantly composed, with a core of cherry fruit. A bit smoky and stemmy (green), with a tart cherry finish of
modest length.
Score: 89
2018 Sanford Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 2,611 cases, $75. Aged
16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.Composed of 11 clones and represents the best lots of the harvest.
·
Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, spice cabinet, and vanilla latte. Somewhat delicate
in a mid-weight style with flavors of red cherry and red berry accompanied by cloying oak. Silky in the mouth
with svelte tannins and a modestly long finish.
Score: 91
2018 Sanford Block 4D Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 212 cases,
$90. Sourced from a north-facing slope with rocky Botella clay loam soil. First planting of Dijon clone 943. Aged
16 months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Reserved but pleasant aromas
of dark cherry and purple berry. A fresh and crisp, fruit-driven style with plenty of black cherry and blackberry
fruits to satisfy. There are added hints of dark chocolate and sweet oak. Nicely balanced, with minimal tannins
and a richly-appointed, purple-fruited finish.
Score: 92
2018 Sanford Block 6 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 221 cases, $90.
A limited release from a steep, north-facing slope with rocky, calcium rich, clay loam soils. Clone 667. Aged 16
months in French oak barrels, 30% new.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. The aromas unfold over time in
the glass, revealing cherry, earthy flora and rose petal. Light to mid-weight in style and elegant and silky in
character with a charge of black cherry flavor supported by harmonious tannins and excellent acid-driven
vibrancy. Easygoing and easy to like, with a cherry-imbued finish.
Score: 93
2019 Sanford Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 7,379 cases, $35. 44% Sanford & Benedict Vineyard and
56% La Rinconada Vineyard. A blend of 8 different Pinot Noir selections from several different soil types.
·
Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry, ripe strawberry, candy apple, spice and graham.
The mid-weight flavors echo the aromas of cherry and spice. Very open and giving with juicy acidity and a
modest but satisfying finish. An excellent everyday wine.
Score: 90
2018 Sanford Founders’ Vines Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
13.5% alc., 61 cases, $N/A. The grapes for this
special wine come from the original, own-rooted planting in 1971. A tribute to the pioneering fathers of this
vineyard, Michael Benedict and Richard Sanford. Aged 16 months in French oak barrels, 28% new.
·
Moderately
light garnet color in the glass. Seductive aromas of red berry, underbrush and tilled earth. Delicious and
complex in a middleweight style, with an array of flavors including red cherry and raspberry, spice, dried herbs
and cocoa. Very intriguing and notably refined with subtle tannins and the longest finish of all the 2018 Sanford
Pinot Noirs. A connoisseur’s Pinot Noir that shows all the glory of old vine Pinot Noir.
Score: 95
2019 Testarrosa Sanford & Benedict Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
14.3% alc., 576 cases, $74. Aged
15 months in French oak barrels, 54% new.
·
Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark cherry
and baking spice pick up intensity over time in the glass. A very comforting, velvety mouthfeel creates a
favorable initial impression. Mid-weight flavors of cherry and raspberry are accompanied by a thread of citrus in
the background. Acid-driven freshness and vibrancy add to the appeal. The finish is persistent and quenching.
Reviewed June 13, 2021.
Score: 94
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/53/
Sea Smoke Vineyard
Owners: Bob Davids and Prescott-Ashe (who invested in Sea Smoke and became a capital partner in 2012).
Acres: 160, primarily Pinot Noir
Years planted: 1999: 100 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 2012: 60 acres of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Some replanting is ongoing.
Location: 7.5 miles west of the Pacific coastline and just north of the Santa Ynez River in the ‘Pinot Bowl’ of
the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Situated above Fiddlestix Vineyard.
Aspect: South-facing hillside bluffs with an elevation of 350’-650’, 8.75% to 36.4% slopes, north-south rows.
Pinot Noir scions: Ten clones: 113, 667, 777, 459, Wädenswil 2A, Pommard 5, Mt. Eden, 09 and 16
Soils: A base of semi-siliceous shale with calcareous strata and diatomite under a top of shallow Botella,
Gazos, and Lopez clays.
Vines: 1999: 3.5’ x 8’ spacing, single guyot on VSP, rootstocks primarily Riparia Gloire, 1091-14, and 3309.
2012: 3’ x 6’ spacing, single guyot on VSP, rootstocks primarily 101-14 and 3309 with some 44-53. As
portions of blocks are replanted, higher lime-tolerant rootstocks like 1103P and 110/140R are used.
Farming: Organically and biodynamically (80 acres) farmed and sustainably farmed since 2003. The goal is
low crop yields and small grape clusters of intense flavor. Every vine receives personal handling from
the vineyard crew seven to eight times each year.
Winery clients: None currently, a monopole. Some Pinot Noir was sold to Foxen for the first ten years and
some Chardonnay was previously sold to Brewer-Clifton. The winery, located in Lompoc, has never
bought fruit.
Comments: Labels in the 2009-2010 vintages displayed the wording,”California Grand Cru.”
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
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
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
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
More reviews: www.princeofpinot.com/vineyard/141/
