Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Southing 2022 1.5L

97 points The Tasting Panel: "Named for the south-facing hillsides on which the vines are planted along the monopole estate, this is a most aromatic red, resonant with clove-kissed roses and dried figs. Cherries steeped in clove and cinnamon wash over the palate with an earthy tone, as if plucked from the soil instead of a tree. Round and featherlight, its angled, white-peppered savory notes are smoothed out by a freshness of wild strawberries. The inherent minerality has a graceful presence. (Sep/Oct 2025)"

94 points Clive Pursehouse (Decanter): "From the south-facing slopes on the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard, this expresses the site and the reliable, long growing season of the Sta Rita Hills. Ripe and audacious Pinot Noir showing smashed raspberries and red plums with warm baking spice aromatics and a hint of tobacco. The palate is generous, with sweet cherry flesh and dried lavender framed by an array of savoury wild herbs, and a tinge of smoky sea salt brightens the finish with a gleaming minerality. Aged for 16 months in French oak, 42% new, bottled with no fining or filtration. Drinking Window: 2025-2035. (4/30/25)"

Producer notes: "Each year, our goal for Southing is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. The ever-changing nose of the Southing exhibits fresh currant, slight strawberry and rose aromas with notes of dried fruit, fennel, clove and nutmeg. The fine tannins and minerality are enhanced by our estate vineyard’s characteristic cool climate acidity."