Sea Smoke

Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

9.1138 ratings
9.015 pro ratings
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Top Notes For
Ron R
9.3

AG nailed the numbers on the 09. What’s impressive about this is that it has plenty of runway ahead of it. Toasted almonds and a hint of pineapple on the nose, while the palate reveals honey, peach and caramel notes. Displays stature and grace, with soft acidity. No rush to drink this. I don’t see it further improving with age.

AG nailed the numbers on the 09. What’s impressive about this is that it has plenty of runway ahead of it. Toasted almonds and a hint of pineapple on the nose, while the palate reveals honey, peach and caramel notes. Displays stature and grace, with soft acidity. No rush to drink this. I don’t see it further improving with age.

Jun 18th, 2018
Ron R
9.4

A butterscotch and brioche rush on the nose, which flows through to the palate. Apricot and citrus notes on the mid palate. Lovely acidity and oak treatment. This has evolved to better place since the last time I tasted this vintage.

A butterscotch and brioche rush on the nose, which flows through to the palate. Apricot and citrus notes on the mid palate. Lovely acidity and oak treatment. This has evolved to better place since the last time I tasted this vintage.

May 27th, 2018
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

8.8

Big rich and Oaky. Very well made and if you like the style then hell yea

Big rich and Oaky. Very well made and if you like the style then hell yea

Mar 9th, 2018
Ron R
9.0

Always a great chard, but the 15 is not up there with the 11, 12, 13 or 14. Typical Sea Smoke signature of honey, brioche and butterscotch. I anticipate that this will improve with age.

Always a great chard, but the 15 is not up there with the 11, 12, 13 or 14. Typical Sea Smoke signature of honey, brioche and butterscotch. I anticipate that this will improve with age.

Jul 27th, 2017
David L

13' Sea Smoke Chardonnay. Tasted better as the evening continued. Very average bottle.

13' Sea Smoke Chardonnay. Tasted better as the evening continued. Very average bottle.

Jun 10th, 2017
Lynn Penner-Ash

Owner/Winemaker Penner-Ash

8.7

Bourbon and Carmel cream notes. Fresh fruit and vanilla on finish but a touch more RS than expected

Bourbon and Carmel cream notes. Fresh fruit and vanilla on finish but a touch more RS than expected

Jan 16th, 2017
Ron R
9.1

A great expression of the varietal, but not as tight as prior vintages. This is more delicate and restrained. A lighter structured wine, which is not built for long-term aging.

A great expression of the varietal, but not as tight as prior vintages. This is more delicate and restrained. A lighter structured wine, which is not built for long-term aging.

Nov 27th, 2016
Joe DAscoli

Simply delicious after about 15 mins of airtime to let any of the malos blow off.

Simply delicious after about 15 mins of airtime to let any of the malos blow off.

Jul 25th, 2024
Austin Blackwell

As usual, Sea Smoke does an incredible job ensuring the oak integration with their Chardonnay’s is seamless. It’s there and you get some almond nuttiness and hints of ginger on the nose and palate but there is plenty of bright apple and citrus to balance it. I would expect this one to get better over the next couple years.

As usual, Sea Smoke does an incredible job ensuring the oak integration with their Chardonnay’s is seamless. It’s there and you get some almond nuttiness and hints of ginger on the nose and palate but there is plenty of bright apple and citrus to balance it. I would expect this one to get better over the next couple years.

Jul 16th, 2024
Joe DAscoli

Love this wine

Love this wine

May 14th, 2024