Southing Pinot Noir 2023 Sea Smoke

Tasting Note Southing Pinot Noir 2023

Initially, aromas of raspberry and dark cherry emerge, followed by notes of rose petals and subtle baking spices derived from oak aging. On the palate, it feels silky smooth rather than heavy, with acidity cutting through the middle and firmly anchoring the fruit flavors. The tannins are delicate and leave a slightly chewy sensation on the finish. A spicy finish lingers for a long time. Southing 2023 is excellent to drink now after some aeration, and thanks to its acid line, the flavor will evolve rather than become diluted.

Grape Varieties

Southing 2023 is:

100% Pinot Noir, grown entirely in their own vineyards

There are no other varieties used, nor any elements to soften its sharp edges. Pinot Noir in Santa Rita Hills keeps its acidity even when flavours ripen fully, and this is precisely what defines the essence of this wine: red fruit aromas, low tannins, and a texture that feels almost weightless.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2026 and 2036. With acidity playing the leading role, supported by delicate tannins, the fruit flavors will remain intact while notes of forest floor and spice gradually deepen. While it is young, let it breathe in a decanter for about an hour. Serve at 16-18°C.

About Sea Smoke

There is no tasting room, no tours, and most years, by the time new releases come out, the stock has already sold out.

 Sea Smoke is operated as a single vineyard of approximately 70 hectares, at the western, most Pacific-exposed edge of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA near Lompoc, planted only to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Bob Davids purchased this plot in 1999, local growers had been keeping an eye on it for years, and the first vintage was released in 2001. On most days, cold Pacific air flows inland through the Santa Ynez River Canyon, slowing ripening and preserving acidity, which is precisely where the winery's name originates.

Farming practices follow organic and biodynamic methods, and the winery is currently incorporating regenerative agriculture as well. The winery neither purchases grapes from outside sources nor sells its own grapes to outside buyers.

Constellation Brands acquired this winery in May 2024, and Victor Gallegos remains in charge of operations.

Terroir & Climate

Almost every day, Pacific fog rises up the Santa Ynez River Canyon and blankets Sea Smoke's vineyard, located at the western and coldest end of Santa Rita Hills. This slows down the ripening process, which is precisely why Southing can develop full flavor while still retaining a crisp, refreshing taste. Soil: A thin layer of Gazos, Lopez, and Botella clay covers semi-siliceous shale containing limestone and diatomaceous earth. The soil is thin and low in fertility, which keeps the grape clusters small and concentrated.

Winemaking

After being selected in the vineyard, the Southing grapes spend one night in cold storage before destemming. It then undergoes a five-day cold soak in open-top fermentation tanks, which extracts color and aroma from the skins before the heat and harsh tannins generated by fermentation take effect. It is then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels, slightly more than 40% of which are new. It has just enough spice to complement the fruit flavors without overpowering them.

Food Pairing

With low tannins and high acidity, Southing is a wine better suited for enjoying with food than for sipping slowly on its own. It pairs well with duck breast; that acidity is necessary to cut through the richness. The same goes for mushroom risotto, which pairs perfectly with the earthy notes of Pinot Noir. Roast chicken with thyme is also a great choice. And a ripe Camembert leaves a smooth, creamy finish that rounds out the experience.