2022 Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills

If there’s one name in American Pinot Noir that wine lovers can’t stop talking about, it’s Sea Smoke. This winery is the gold standard, the superstar, the bottle everyone dreams of owning. The 2022 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir is no ordinary wine—it’s pure magic in a glass.

Sea Smoke’s estate vineyard is in Santa Barbara’s Santa Rita Hills, one of the best places in the world for growing Pinot Noir. The vineyard sits on sunny, south-facing slopes and gets cooled every afternoon by a layer of Pacific Ocean fog, known as 'sea smoke.' This perfect mix of sun and cool air lets the grapes ripen slowly, creating bold flavors and silky-smooth tannins. 

Sea Smoke’s legacy owes much to its visionary founder, Bob Davids, and the exceptional talents of winemaker Don Schroeder. Bob Davids, who established the estate in 1999, envisioned creating world-class Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara’s Santa Rita Hills, and his dream has become a reality. Don Schroeder, formerly of Ampelos Cellars, has taken the helm, crafting wines that balance richness and elegance with meticulous care. Together, their dedication and expertise have cemented Sea Smoke as a name that defines excellence in American Pinot Noir.

Sea Smoke has been a legend since its very first vintage in 2001, earning a place on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list and winning over critics and collectors. It’s not easy to get your hands on a bottle, and every release is highly limited and sold primarily to a lucky few on their mailing list.

Why is it called "Southing"? The name reflects the south-facing slopes of Sea Smoke's estate vineyard, where the 2022 Southing Pinot Noir is born. These sunny hillsides, combined with the estate’s meticulous winemaking—hand-harvesting, cold soaking, and gentle pressing—create a wine of unmatched elegance. Bottled without fining or filtration, this wine is a pure expression of the Santa Rita Hills and Sea Smoke's relentless pursuit of perfection.

Aging: 16 months Exclusively French Oak—42% New Barrels

100% Pinot Noir. The ever-changing nose of the Southing reveals fresh currant, subtle strawberry, and rose aromas, complemented by hints of dried fruit, fennel, clove, and nutmeg. Fine tannins and a touch of minerality are elevated by the characteristic cool-climate acidity of the estate vineyard.

Intensely ripe but pristine black cherry and plum notes are kissed with glimmers of brandy and cigar leaf in this concentrated yet brightly composed Pinot Noir. It's a powerful, gorgeously juicy mouthful with a heft and unctuousness that's pleasing, but sharply balanced too, taut with a quivering vein of cranberry acidity and layers of stone and earth that unfurl on the palate. Tannins are fine but persistent. It's delightful in youth but should improve for the next decade and hold longer still. ~97 Decanter (v.2021)

Fruity and juicy aromas of alpine strawberry and raspberry compote are elevated by elegant lavender and violet touches on the nose of this bottling. The palate is framed by ample tannins, yet it goes down incredibly easy, offering raspberry paste, boysenberry and light spice flavors. ~95 WE (v.2020)

Aromas of blueberries with wrought iron and metal shavings with some sliced strawberries with white tops. Full to medium body. Firm tannins and fresh acidity. Racy. Narrow. Drink or hold ~94 JS (v.2020)

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