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

Winery: Sea Smoke Cellars
From article: Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay