Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Ten 2022

97 points The Tasting Panel: "Winemaker Dan Schroeder reflects on the character of Sea Smoke’s estate vineyard. “In terms of its unique climate and soils and the meticulous care and thoughtfulness that went into its planting, there is really no other vineyard like it in California.” The vineyard is a monopole, planted only to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in one of the only east-west coastal ranges in the U.S. The wine is named for the ten top clones of Pinot Noir, and the wine is aged 16 months in 56% new French oak. Charmed by exotic notes of Asian Five Spice and unearthed blueberries, layers of Red Delicious apple pair with notes of pennyroyal minerality. It finishes with rose petals laced with anise and black cherries dotted with sweet basil. (Jul/Aug 2025)"

93 points Anna Lee Iijima (Decanter): "Opulence and power mark the Ten bottling from Sea Smoke. This wine is comprised of ten Pinot Noir clones across the Sta Rita Hills estate—a showy, gregarious Pinot Noir with broad shoulders. Aromas of spice black plums, frankincense and exotic smoky notes of violets rose petals. The palate is fleshy; layered black fruits fold over rich baking spice and Madagascar vanilla owing to the 16-month elevage. Finishes with sweet berries and cherries and Christmas spice. Drinking Window: 2025-2034. (Mar 2025)"

Producer notes: "A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of ground cacao, raspberry and Friar plum, followed by a mix of spices and a hint of lavender. Firm, mature tannins - evidence of Ten’s ageability - are followed by a long, velvety finish."