Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Southing 2021

97 points Anna Lee Iijima (Decanter): "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. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (12/2/23)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "This wine borders on being too exuberant and juicy, so exemplary it is as a pure expression of fruit. Aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus lure the nose deeply into the glass. The palate goes even more jubilant with candied strawberry and Bing cherry flavors, with hints of mace and star anise that press all the hedonism buttons. Alcohol 14.5%. (Oct 2024)"

Producer notes: "Each year, our goal for Southing is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. Southing exhibits aromas of fresh strawberry, rose water, Rainier cherry and subtle baking spices. The fine tannins and minerality are enhanced by our estate vineyard’s characteristic cool climate acidity."