Sea Smoke Ten

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. - The Tasting Panel, July/August 2025

A gorgeous bottling, as is most often the case from this venerable producer. The “Ten” is a blend of ten different clones from the estate vineyard, masterfully blended for complexity and pleasure. There’s so much here, from the deep nose of black cherry, tea and lavender to the palate that translates those elements and more over sturdy structure that’s built for aging. Don’t hesitate to hold this for many years. I recently tasted a 20 year old Sea Smoke that was still humming right along, 95 Rich Cook