Sea Smoke

Southing California Grand Cru Pinot Noir

9.3366 ratings
9.255 pro ratings
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Jay Kline

2013 was the first year that Sea Smoke started practicing biodynamics in the vineyard. Previous years were already farmed organically. At the age of 7, this still comes across as a baby. Dark violet in the glass, this was pretty tightly coiled but after 30min of air, it started to reveal itself. Predominately red fruited with bruised strawberries and some flowers and spices, this was pretty tannic. In fact, the tannins seemed to build with more air; never to the point of being overbearing but pretty stiff nevertheless. Good acid. Nice finish. A polished wine that I ended up enjoying more than I thought I would. Years to go on these.

2013 was the first year that Sea Smoke started practicing biodynamics in the vineyard. Previous years were already farmed organically. At the age of 7, this still comes across as a baby. Dark violet in the glass, this was pretty tightly coiled but after 30min of air, it started to reveal itself. Predominately red fruited with bruised strawberries and some flowers and spices, this was pretty tannic. In fact, the tannins seemed to build with more air; never to the point of being overbearing but pretty stiff nevertheless. Good acid. Nice finish. A polished wine that I ended up enjoying more than I thought I would. Years to go on these.

Apr 1st, 2020
Mark Oldman

if you go any direction, go South(ing): with #SeaSmoke’s blackberry-ripe, complex, luxuriously velvety #Pinot and juicy South #Jersey tomatoes - #summer #wine #santaritahills

if you go any direction, go South(ing): with #SeaSmoke’s blackberry-ripe, complex, luxuriously velvety #Pinot and juicy South #Jersey tomatoes - #summer #wine #santaritahills

Aug 8th, 2017
Dave Smigielski

Wine of the night. Really impressive and elegant.

Wine of the night. Really impressive and elegant.

3 people found it helpfulDec 6th, 2014
Steve Steese

Nice to taste this with at least a little age on it, usually goes so fast there's no time. Fruit is still prevalent, but giving way to subtle loaminess, Christmas spices and potpourri.

Nice to taste this with at least a little age on it, usually goes so fast there's no time. Fruit is still prevalent, but giving way to subtle loaminess, Christmas spices and potpourri.

3 people found it helpfulDec 15th, 2013
Donald Patz

Owner/Winemaker Patz & Hall

8.6

I don't understand California Grand Cru?

I don't understand California Grand Cru?

2 people found it helpfulFeb 4th, 2014
Kristy Sammis

Sea Smoke is a little bit culty, and it's my favorite. In honor of the #SFGiants in game 7 of the World Series. :)

Sea Smoke is a little bit culty, and it's my favorite. In honor of the #SFGiants in game 7 of the World Series. :)

1 person found it helpfulOct 30th, 2014
Nick Benz

Tasty, but losing steam which was disappointing

Tasty, but losing steam which was disappointing

Nov 25th, 2016
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.0

Good but was hoping for more. Nicely resolved dark cherries, dry cranberry, strawberries, soft smooth earth.

Good but was hoping for more. Nicely resolved dark cherries, dry cranberry, strawberries, soft smooth earth.

May 15th, 2016
Lynn Penner-Ash

Owner/Winemaker Penner-Ash

9.2

Very balanced!

Very balanced!

Aug 13th, 2015
Eric Hwang

Nice. Raspberry, cola and mushrooms. Rich body and complex fruit. Great acidity. Age would definitely improve it.

Nice. Raspberry, cola and mushrooms. Rich body and complex fruit. Great acidity. Age would definitely improve it.

Apr 18th, 2015