Sea Smoke Southing 2019 is a stunning examle of how cool climate Pinot Noir can be done right. Produced in the Santa Barbara County AVA, this vintage is a beautiful expression of complexity, elegance and longevity that the grape variety has to offer.
Southing is made from 100% estate-grown fruit from Sea Smoke's estate vineyard situated on the south-facing slopes of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The vineyard is located just 20 miles from the Pacific Ocean, providing an ideal growing climate for cool-climate Pinot Noir varietals. The combination of maritime fog and warm days allows for slow, even ripening which helps to produce intense flavor concentration and natural acidity in the grapes.
The grapes were handpicked and sorted before undergoing fermentation in open-top bins. After fermentation was complete, the wine was aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 14 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The result is a wine with deep aromas of red fruits, earthy spices, smoked meats and dried herbs on the nose that lead into flavors of black cherries, cranberries, licorice and baking spices on the palate with a subtle hint of graphite minerality. The tannins are well integrated and provide structure without being overly aggressive while finishing with good length and complexity.
Overall Sea Smoke Southing 2019 is an outstanding example of how cool climate Pinot Noir shold be produced – delivering balance, finesse and intensity that will continue to evolve gracefully over time if cellared properly.
Exploring Sea Smoke
Unfortunately, Sea Smoke is not open to the public for visits. Sea Smoke is a boutique winery located in Sta. Rita Hills, California, and only produces small quantities of high-quality wines. The winery does not have a tasting room or any public access points, so visitors cannot explore the grounds or sample the wines. However, Sea Smoke's wines are available for purchase online and at select retailers aroud the country.
The Location of Seasmoke
Seasmoke is the dragon of House Targaryen, whose rider was Laenor Targaryen before his death in 120 AC. Following Laenor's death, Seasmoke made its permanent home on Dragonstone Island and has been living in the Dragonmont ever since. The mountain is located off the eastern coast of Westeros and can be seen from nearby Storm's End. Seasmoke remains riderless to this day, taking solace in the lands of its late master.
The Type of Wine That Is Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine made from black-skinned grapes that thrive best in cooler climates. It is prized for its elegance, complexity, and longevity, though it can be notoriously difficult to grow. Pinot Noir has a delicate balance of cherry, raspberry and earthy flavors, with a mild tannin structure and subtle aromas of rose petal and spice. In its finest expression, the wine can be smooth and supple with an impressive depth of flavor.
Who is the Owner of Sea Smoke?
Sea Smoke Vineyard is owned by Bob Davids, who began developing the estate in 1999. The vineyard is located on south-facing hillsides above Fiddlestix Vineyard in the Santa Rita hills appellation of Santa Barbara County.
Refrigerating Pinot Noir After Opening
Yes, you should refrigerate opened Pinot Noir. This is becase pinot noir is a delicate red wine that can start to lose its fruit-driven flavor and become “flat” if it is left at room temperature for too long after being opened. It's best to store opened Pinot Noir in the refrigerator for up to five days. To help preserve the flavor, be sure to place a stopper or cork on the bottle and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
The Health Benefits of Pinot Noir Wine
Pinot Noir is considered the healthiest wine due to its high levels of resveratrol, a polyphenol found in the skin of grapes. It is made with grapes that have thin skins, meaning they retain fewer sugars and consequently fewer calories than other wines. Additionally, Pinot Noir has a low alcoholic content, which is beneficial for those who are looking for a healthier option when it comes to ther alcohol consumption. Lastly, Pinot Noir contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help to reduce oxidative stress and protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. All of these factors make Pinot Noir an excellent choice for those looking for a healthier wine option.
Conclusion
The Sea Smoke Southing 2019 is a truly remarkable red wine. It's made from black-skinned grapes that are carefully grown in cooler climates to produce wines of elegance, complexity and longevity. This vintage offers aromas of dark fruits and spices, with a palate full of bright red cherries, earthy notes and hints of tobacco. The finish is long and silky smooth. This is an excellent example of the craftsmanship that goes into making Sea Smoke's wines, and it is sure to be a favorite aong discerning wine lovers.
