Sea Smoke Ten Pinot Noir, Sta Rita Hills, USA 2023

“Ten” Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills is a bold, structured expression of estate-grown Pinot Noir, showcasing the power and depth that define this flagship cuvée. Named for the ten Pinot Noir clones planted across the Sea Smoke estate, “Ten” is the most intense and age-worthy wine in the lineup. The 2023 vintage opens with a brooding aromatic profile of blueberry, cassis, and lavender, layered with exotic spice, thyme, hazelnut, and hints of licorice.

On the palate, it is rich and concentrated, with ripe dark berry fruit framed by firm, mature tannins and a structured backbone that speaks to its cellar potential. Aged for roughly 16 months in French oak (over half new), the wine gains additional depth and spice complexity while maintaining balance and polish. The finish is long, velvety, and persistent, with a mix of savory nuance and mineral tension.