Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2023

Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 2023 is a distinctive expression of estate-grown Pinot Noir from one of California’s most respected cool-climate vineyards. Produced entirely from the Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills AVA, this wine reflects both the complexity of its site and the deliberate, hands-on approach that defines Sea Smoke’s winemaking philosophy. The name “Ten” refers to the ten different Pinot Noir clones planted throughout the estate, contributing depth, structure, and layered nuance to the final blend.

The 2023 vintage was crafted exclusively from 100% Pinot Noir, harvested by hand and sorted meticulously in the vineyard before arriving at the winery. After an overnight cold stabilization in Sea Smoke’s cold room, the fruit was gently destemmed, with all jack stems removed to ensure purity and precision. The must underwent a five-day cold soak in open-top fermenters to enhance aromatic development, followed by slow fermentation with cultured yeasts. Throughout fermentation, each lot was manually punched down twice daily, with extended maceration lasting between sixteen and twenty-eight days. This prolonged contact builds structure and age-worthy tannins while maintaining balance and finesse.

Following primary fermentation, free-run wine was transferred to tank for settling, while the remaining wine was pressed at extremely low pressure to avoid bitterness. Both components were then racked to barrel after overnight settling. The wine aged for sixteen months in French oak, with fifty-six percent new barrels, allowing the structure of the wine to integrate naturally with subtle oak influence. Ten was bottled without fining or filtration, preserving texture, aromatic complexity, and a clear sense of place. The wine was crafted under the direction of winemaker Don Schroeder, whose approach emphasizes restraint, precision, and respect for the vineyard.

In the glass, Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir 2023 presents a deeper, more structured profile than many coastal Pinot Noirs, with aromas of blueberry, cassis, and lavender layered with savory notes of thyme, hazelnut, exotic spice, and a subtle hint of licorice. On the palate, firm yet mature tannins provide a commanding framework, carrying through to a long, velvety finish that underscores the wine’s aging potential. This is a Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir built for collectors and serious enthusiasts, offering depth, structure, and evolution over time while remaining true to its cool-climate origins.