Delicious and in a great spot !! I agree with my prior tasting notes, at or just past peak !! Consumed my last bottle of this vantage over two days. This bottle may have lost a step or just past peak. I have no bottles remaining in my cellar.
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Delicious and in a great spot !! I agree with my prior tasting notes, at peak !! Consumed with friends at dinner. I still have one bottle remaining in my cellar.
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This wine is truly special !! At Peak, drink within a few hours of opening !! The cork was perfect after over a decade in the bottle and easily removed. This is a balanced Pinot Noir that I consumed over the course of two days. Deep ruby color with no oxidation, clarity medium. Aromas of pomegranate and rose hips, flavors of red fruit compote, rhubarb, and marine soil with a pleasant medium finish. Popped and poured, it was bright and fruity upon opening, then much more soft and muted on day two. Great fruit with firm acidity made into a very balanced Pinot Noir from the south-facing hillside bluffs found on the Seasmoke Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County by the cool Pacific Ocean along the San Ynez River canyon. Great winemaking making this Pinot Noir is an age worthy wine and has many more years of life left. I have four more bottles of this vintage remaining in my cellar and will open another soon to verify my tasting note.
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Just at absolute peak and glorious. Dark cherry, blood orange & black raspberry, with some clove and mild mushroom notes. Dried herbs and tobacco. Not funky and earthy, but more of lavender and Asian spices on the nose. Gorgoeus. Still a personal favorite. Drink now, but not on the decline.
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Subsequent notes on this wine from about three years ago. Deep, rich, dark garnet in color with slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & aromatic nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blueberries & plums with overtones earthy/dusty & floral notes, spices, herbs, minerals & oak/vanilla notes in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, lush, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blueberries & mulberries with spices, cola, herbs, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Smooth lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present but at 13 years of age it is at or close to its peak of development but should still hold to this plateau for several more years if cellared properly.
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Decanted and drank over the course of 2 hours side by side with the 2010 Southing. Initially and throughout the evening, the 2009 was more tannic than the 2010, but had much more tertiary flavors. This wine still has enough left if you want to wait and see how the tertiary aromas and flavors continue to develop. For what it's worth, everyone at the Thanksgiving feast preferred the 2010.
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Not as robust as in the past. Elegant but a bit faded. The fruit is still there, with a smidge of jam and spice. The cork disintegrated on opening, which may have played a role.
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From Magnum. Initial fruit has subsided and this Pinot seems to be drinking in a middle ground now with some earth, spice, and rustic elements prevailing at this time. A somewhat masculine Pinot but still maintaining some elegance. A nice, mature, Cali Pinot Noir.
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Deep, rich, dark garnet in color with ever-so-slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & aromatic nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones earthy/dusty & floral notes, spices, herbs, minerals, cola & a slight hint of oak/vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, rich, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blueberries & plums with spices, cola, herbs, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Smooth lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present but at 10 years of age still has potential for further development with additional aging if cellared properly.
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IF interested, be SURE to check out the detailed winery notes for this vintage on CellarTracker Articles [link to the lower left of the pg]. :)
N: Tough for me to parse, but in no particular order, ATTRACTIVELY *ripe* berries, earth, with hints of vanilla; Intensity lurking
P: LM body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which stays in contact with the init frt as it seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, BALANCED finish with a delightful, TANGY/swtness to the few, firming, unoffensive, very, VERY fine tannins. An *impressive* wine for now, & I can see it holding through '23 min. My EXC+/Exceptional- (94-97/100 using that metric). 92 pts Suckling, 91 WA & Vinous (Raynolds), and 89 RJonWine (11/24/11). [As of late Nov '19, wine-searcher still shows 2 sources @ $119 & $250].
Note: Likely from the same bottle as Vinnut above. Also, when I last revisited this (after ≈4 1/2 hrs in a small tasting glass) the wine's *incredible* BALANCE *still* had it singin'! ;)
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The wine made famous by the movie “Sideways” in 2004. After the movie came out, their bottle price jumped and it was all of sudden hard to find. Marketing!!!
The nose reveals, sweet, slightly sour and ripe; blackberries, some black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries cranberries, pomegranate, candied cherries and baked strawberries. Big vanillin, soft cinnamon stick, touch of clove, dark spice, herbaceous notes, mixed berry cola, dark, rich, moist soil, dry clay, dry stone, limestone minerals with dark red, blue fresh & withering flowers.
The body medium full. Tannins nicely resolved but, still have tarry teeth. The structure and tension nicely softened. The 09 is beautifully integrated. The length and balance have hit their high point. Ripe; blackberries, some black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, mix of some purple fruits, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, candied cherries and juicy strawberries. Red licorice/cola, good presence of vanillin, soft cinnamon stick, touch of clove, dark spice, black licorice, herbaceous notes; bay leaf, mint, eucalyptus, dark, rich, moist, soil, clay, river stones, limestone minerals and dark red, blue fresh & withering flowers with violets. The acidity is round and like a rain shower. The finish is extremely well balanced, seamless, elegant, rich, persistent for minutes with ripe fruit, medium dark spice that brings some mild heat and haunting fragrant violets for minutes.
Nice development in the last 15-16 months. The 09 Southing has another 3-5 years of good sipping ahead of it.
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A well-made pinot that is aging well. It is very typical for a Southing but the age has replaced some of the tart cranberry notes I typically get in a Southing and replaced them with softness and sweeter high- tones. I'm thinking I want to age one of these for another three years and see what happens.
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Decanted and drank side by side with 2010 Southing for Thanksgiving. This bottle tasted and looked like the younger wine of the two. Even the cork on the 09 was like new with little red versus the 10 was deep red with sediment. Both were purchased upon release and stored in cellar. Most of the group preferred the 10 as it had more fruit with softer tannins than the 09 with less fruit and more tannins. Not sure this will get any better as the fruit is fading.
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Drinking just great. More depth than I remember past bottles. No cola notes. Fruit is trending nicely towards dark cherries and almost, but not quite, a savory note on the finish
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This review nailed the bottle we just drank (disappointing): "CSIMM1161 WROTE: 90 Points State Bird Provisions (San Francisco): From Magnum. Medium-to-light bodied flavors of black cherry, allspice, cedar, vanilla, and earth/soil. A faint herbal tinge on the back end. The delivery on this wine was fairly linear and somewhat flat; a little tight with tinges of alcohol-laced vanilla. Clipped on the finish. It came off young in terms of its restrained and lithe attack (like it needed to gain some serious weight), but also appeared somewhat over the hill with its fading fruit. Not sure what to make of this wine exactly. 88-90 points?"
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Classic Sea Smoke! Lovely aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, vanilla, and cedar with moderate tannins and acidity on a long finish This bottle, from my passive cellar, is drinking younger than the last 2 bottles from my temp controlled cellar!
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Nose of sharpened pencil, crayon, red earth, raspberries, white pepper, blackberries, and dried cherries. The tannins are stout for this Pinot and the finish is smooth. Very good.
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Both the Southing and Ten were showing very well at Christmas Eve dinner. I was rewarded by laying these down several years after opening my first bottle. A somewhat lighter, balanced Pinot that is not too fruity. Cherry, a hint of cola and dark fruit all in harmony.
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From magnum. Probably at or just past it's peak. Reasonably good and enjoyed by all but not great. There was a tar and rubber element that overpowered at times. B+
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Opened for about 30 minutes, nose of violets, cherries. Purple color and a more expressive nose in the glass. Nice balance, good acidity, dark cherries, spice, cedar wood and a hint of herbs. Lovely Pinot.
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Wow, this has really hit its stride. Dark garnet color. Dark, sour cherry, smoke and a bit of pepper on the palate. Medium bodied with a dry, mineral finish. Apparently I have been drinking my Southing too early.
Pinot Party 2017 (Magnum) - tied for WOTN with a 2014 Penner-Ash Palmer Creek. One of six different bottles and the first to be emptied. Very good but seemed to have faded compared to the vibrancy of 750ml bottles drank in 2013 & 2014. I had hoped the larger format would have helped the Wine age a bit more gracefully but when it’s gone it’s gone. Don’t wait any longer
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State Bird Provisions (San Francisco): From Magnum. Medium-to-light bodied flavors of black cherry, allspice, cedar, vanilla, and earth/soil. A faint herbal tinge on the back end. The delivery on this wine was fairly linear and somewhat flat; a little tight with tinges of alcohol-laced vanilla. Clipped on the finish. It came off young in terms of its restrained and lithe attack (like it needed to gain some serious weight), but also appeared somewhat over the hill with its fading fruit. Not sure what to make of this wine exactly. 88-90 points?
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Ripe plums, fig jam, and cherries on the nose, and palette. Very smooth and terroir come through with very slight tannins. A very slight hint of pepper. Delicious and delicate.
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Sea Smoke was my first mailing list wine. This happens to be my last bottle. Big changes since I last drank this a few years ago. Dark. Sweetish. A hint of tannins. I was pleasantly surprised. Drank this with Flyertalkers and a few Berserkers. Dinner was an assorted of fish.
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I think the wine is very nice right now and unlikely to mature much further. The wine looks garnet colored with medium legs. There is no sediment in the bottle. Aromas of black currant (cassis), blackberry and cherry. Flavors of strawberry, blackberry and vanilla with a medium body. The wine has smooth texture and has a nice, long finish.
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Ruby colored with reddish hue; slight yellowing on the rim; clear. Cherry, hints of strawberry, rose, a composed and subtle French oak in the background. Rich and fairly intense fruit. Nice balance at this stage. Good structure, but a very slight acidic sting on the tongue (does not interfere with the wine appreciation). A fairly long and velvety finish. A good pairing with Atlantic salmon.
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Again Sea Smoke comes through. I think 2007 and 2009 have the most lingering fruit for recent vintages and hard to go wrong with either. Nice balance, more depth that before, and evolved as time went on. Recommended.
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It's been 3 years since we last tasted a bottle of the 09. Reviewing past notes, this is still consistent with that time. Decanted about 1 hour. Smooth and a very good Pinot but not much has changed. Still drinking well but not seeing any growth. Drink up.
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Third bottle over the last couple of years, this was the best one. The fruit has taken a back seat while some of the more subtle notes appear. Even the first bottle was not overtly fruity but this bottle seems to be in better balance. Red fruit that lies on the darker shade of red with spices and earthy notes. Nice texture and acidity for food, not lush or cloying. Just a hint of heat at the end. A little bit over priced.
Purple but transparent with a medium/light body. Nose of earthy mushrooms, rhubarb, sweet cherries, rich red fruit and oak. The nose is the highlight of this wine and is intoxicating with layers. Balanced acidity, dark red fruit, and a lingering mineral finish. 5+13+16+8=92
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PNP. Lots of earthy, mushroomy aromas, along with menthol, smokey oak, raspberry, bramble, cola, spice. A very dark fruit & spice overall impression. Gorgeous texture, high acidity, medium- tannins. A little hot and oaky to start, dominating the fruit. It smoothes out with some air time. Reasonably long spicy, tart finish, with some dark cherry lingering. The texture and finish make it hard to put this down, despite the heavy oak.
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Second bottle of this in the last two months for whatever reason, just dump luck as I hadn't had on in years. Good color and clarity. Cherry liqueur scent with a light burnt toast. Strong kirch core surrounded by terpin and toasted oak. Paired with an extravagant homemade Persian meal. I'm stuffed.
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Decanted 2 hours. Absolutely gorgeous Pinot Noir that delivers all the goods with an elegance finesse in a decidedly California style. The cherry and cranberry fruit and cinnamon spice carries into a lengthy smooth finish. The wine has a warmth to it with perfect acidity. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10 years.
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These are starting to settle down losing the baby fat. It's a nice pinot, I just got priced out of the market. Good balance and bright red fruit with a dollop of oak and vanilla.
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When I began exploring wine, a Sea Smoke Ten was the first wine that blew me away and revealed the thrilling level that wine can reach. The 2009 Southing isn't nearly as impressive as that was, but it is still a well made PN. Strawberry pie and cranberry nose. Very light bodied, strawberry pie palate. Mid palate minerality; limestone. The alcohol is completely hidden. A touch of olive on the short finish. Unfortunately these low-yield estate Pinot Noirs have surpassed what I consider a reasonable price, but Sea Smoke will always have meaning for me.
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This was enjoyed at P n' P and after a few hours of air. Time in glass was very good to this wine. This is extremely full bodied but unlike so many CA PN I have had lately, it was balanced. First aromas were muted but later on Raspberry and cola were prominent; flavors of ripe raspberry, brown spices, anise, and some pungent earth. So close to too much but perfectly on that edge. I had a preference to the Ten for its more balanced profile.
A very thoughtful opening for my birthday. Thank you!
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We drank this from a magnum. This was a very big wine. I get so many flavors: raspberry, cherry, spices, and cola. We also had an '09 Ten at the same time and I liked the Ten a bit more. I think it was a touch more balanced.
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Great flavors, not as much depth as I had remembered but fresh black cherry, spice, and a healthy dose of vanilla on the palate. As it sits in the glass it develops Clove, stewed strawberry, and some cola. Very nice acidity and balance
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This is more like the Sea Smoke I first was drawn to. Very nice fruit, cherry/raspberry flavor, but deep flavors and a semi-bitter finish. Tannins are present when the wine is swished in the mouth but restrained. Took about a good hour or more to really begin to show the deeper fruit. Enough structure of fruit and tannins to age more, but not sure about the acidity, as it was not overly bright. but this is drinking well now but requires some time in the glass. Recommended and will age up to 5 years more, but i have been surprised at how long the wines can age, going longer.
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End of the road for this wine for me -- last bottle. But it was the finest of my three. Showing great fruit expression with increased elegance. Cherry fruit and a velvety medium length finish.
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Decanted 2 hours. A very inviting nose that draws you into a sexly delicious wine with sweet ripe cherry and strawberry fruit that melds seamlessly into a short mild mid-palate showing cedar and baking spices. The omnipresent mascerated strawberry fruit rides on into a luscious lengthy finish. Will continue to improve for several years.
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consumed after a 2009 Roar Rosella--so different--much more primary fruit-almost grapey. Dark color, blueberry and blackberry nose, not much acidity on the palate and a moderate finish. Pleasant but not a wower.
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This is drinking very well tonight and , for me, is in a very good place. The forward fruit of its youth has mellowed and taken on a more elegant demeanor while still retaining lots of vitality, depth and nuance. Quite nice.
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Pop-and-pour, I'm surprised at how funky this comes off on the nose with a little bit of mint. In terms of fruit, I get red cherry reduction.
The palate shows really nice tannin and acid structure, with pure cherry notes, dry earth and pomegranate. It transitions to a finish of pretty, pure red fruit.
Overall, a nice wine but I don't feel like there's anything special here.
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Full-bodied pinot. Decanted for 1.5 hours and could have used a bit more time. Once it settled, was a quite enjoyable bottle. A different bird of a pinot from most others. Not sure its worth the $$.
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Crystalline red in glass. Like a good delicately fruity burg when first poured with minerals and balanced bright red fruits. But a hint of botrytis made this better the first hour than the second. Then became slightly jammy and less balanced.
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Beautifully perfumed red cherry and strong floral notes on the nose. When first opened, I might have mistaken this for an Oregon pinot noir as it came across as more delicately styled, highly perfumed, excellent balance and acidity diven and not fruit forward. While retaining that base, the longer it was open, the rounder and deeper and richer the middle became. Exhibited a complex blend of shifting red and black fruit, mainly cherry and red fruit to start, shading into raspberry and black fruit the longer it was open. Lots of mineral notes on the finish. Strength of this wine was its overall balance. While I expect it should be able to hold at this level for several more years, it's absolutely worth drinking now to enjoy to its full potential.
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Great bottle to cheer on the Pats victory. SeaSmoke consistently makes my favorite Pinots. Another winner - perhaps not as fruit forward as some others but great nonetheless.
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A bit of funk on the nose. Medium-bodied with a darker fruit profile. Earth, dark fruit and a great finish. Drinking fantastic right now with a bit of air.
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This particular bottle was disappointing. Lacking in fruit and a bit thin on the finish. Not sure what happened as I have had 2 bottles of this and found it exceptional.
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This was a really big disappointment. Over-oaked, thin, too much heat and really has a pretty one-dimensional, boring, flavor profile. If you factor in the price, it is probably worse. There are a bunch of Santa Rita Hills AVA entry level wines that drink better than this at a third of the price. Sometime you buy the label, sometimes you buy the wine.
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This is easy to like. Smooth. High acid. Dark fruits. But there is no attempt whatsoever to resemble pinot as the grape juice you would get anywhere else. The alc is 14.5 and you can test every bit of it. And the color is more like a light bordeaux. I suppose it shows terroir though. Good drink but I would not buy at its current price nor if Jon Bonne was at your house.
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60 min decant. (This needs 75 min to open up)- medium plus bodied, persistent cherry throughout with some heat. Heat did not detract though. Average finish, average value. This will go another 5-7 years easy.
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This is an outstanding wine with wonderful depth and very fully bodied. The aroma of blackberry and strawberry fill your glass as you enjoy this wine. It also has a wonderful long finish that keeps on giving. This wine is worth every penny that I paid for it.
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Bright garnet color, candied fruit on the nose with lavender and spices. Lush mouth feel with dark red fruit, minerality, and well-balanced acidity. Pretty awesome example of Central Coast Pinot Noir.
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Light garnet, translucent, medium(-) body Blackberry, cassis, red licorice, lots of candied dark fruit off the nose Cherries, red currants, tannins, medium finish
A very nice effort!
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This is a clear, bright ruby-garnet with good color density at the edge. The smells are candied read fruit, floral and earth, red licorice, and cinnamon like spices. The tastes are cherry, earthy cinnamon, red licorice, sassafras, and raspberry . There is some modest weight and the tannins are fine grained and ripe. The finish savory red fruit.
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2014 Easter wine. Really enjoyed this bottle. Opened for about an hour before pouring and drank over next hour. Cherry, a little cola. Very well balanced. It's a big Pinot with lots of fruit, but still showed finesse. Looking forward to more.
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Decanted for 2 hours. Gorgeous Pinot Noir with titillating finesse and elegance; just delightful. Has enough acidity and weight to work extremely well with food, while being yummy to drink by itself.
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This Southing was nice black plum, very structured and well integrated at this point in its life. Drinking very well and pretty seamless as it enters the palate. The fruit is an embedded component of the overall presentation with smooth tannins at this point. Not overly complex- just solid quality and drinking experience.
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Wow! Happy Birthday to me! Excellent, as always. Smooth, supple mouthfeel, lush cherry that settled down and eased into a velvety ripple on the tongue that lasted beautifully. Just lovely.
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Very Sea Smoke. Rich dark red fruit, sassafras, earth and baking spice all framed in moderate oak. This was slightly lacking in depth and complexity, but the finish was good. All in all, quite nice and drinking well tonight.
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2nd bottle of the day, had just before dinner. Decanted a little over an hour. It has been 2 years since I last had this vintage and I don't think it has matured much, if any. Lot's of cherry and red fruit but not the wow I was looking for. Drinking very nicely and should lay for a while longer but I don't see this getting any better than it is right now.
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Bright purple color. Beautiful clarity. Hint of pepper and dark cherry on the nose. Medium bodied, well balanced with sour cherry on the front palate. Medium finish with earth and a hint of smoke on the back palate. My favorite Pinot.
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Eatery: raspberry, black-red cherry; juicy, intense fruit, oak in check, simple one dimensional, very silky in the mouth, but pretty hot on the palate, despite 14.5% on the label.
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Popped and poured. Nose of black cherry, cranberry, spice, vanilla. On the palate, comes across as a little candied with bright cherries, black raspberry, Asian spice. Crisp finish really helps this out. I would be drinker these younger.
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Nose of strawberries and spice. On the palate it was both sweet up front and bitter on the back end, with a certain black fruit ensemble across the mid palate. I liked this but don't think it's particularly good VQP at around $60 a bottle.
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Drank next to a 2008 Beaux Feres and a 1er Cru. This had the sexiest mouth feel of the three. Very strong cinnamon and nutmeg notes on the nose. While this is a constrained Pinot from Cali, it was by far the fruitiest of the three wines. Marcela loved it. Will stay on their list, although my palate likes the old world pinots much better. Overall a good wine.
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Very nice wine! Did not decant. Seemed a bit dark for a pinot. Typical CA pinot which we like. Had some heat but not much. Dark fruits with a very nice finish. Seemed like there is a pleasant strawberry jam finish. Should have taken two bottles for the bday dinner.
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my last 2009 in the cellar. very enjoyable. great wine to have by itself. great nose, great fruit and sweetness balanced by acidity with a very long finish. had this at the end of an evening and it was very nice.
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Nose of red fruit, spice, and earthiness. The palate was tart red fruit and minerality that I would not expect from Cali Pinot with a bit of cherry on the finish. They seem to be evolving their style to not be as overtly big and trying to be more elegant. Also the acidity makes it work well with food. I like it.
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Just delightful. Classic Pinot Noir nose of red fruit and spice. Wonderful in the mouth with surprising old world nuances. One of the best bottles of Sea Smoke I can remember. If scoring 92-94.
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Hoping this will get better with more age but don't really think so. Overextracted and the fruit elements not really in harmony with one another. The finish was a bit bitter as well. I am emphasizing the least desirable elements because others sharing that are not used to better wines were raving.
A hazy ruby/light crimson. Pepper, tea and spice on the nose. Remarkable for its silky texture, lively and bright, leading to a nice bright finish. Characterized more by spice than fruit but what fruit appears tends toward dark cherry.
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Decanted a few minutes before tasting. Lively and youthful. Initially reticent nose developed with time in the glass to reveal plum compote and baking spices. On the palate, a basket of various cherries, berries and plums evolve rapidly. Spice notes appear with time in the glass. Silky mouthfeel. Tannins are very restrained, as is acidity. This is clearly young and should be decanted to enjoy now. Will be interesting to see what the other half of the bottle is like in a couple of days.
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Had this was some chinese roast squab and it paired beautifully. The dark fruit flavors and round mouth feel balanced out the crispy oily skin of the squab. It finishes with hints of asian spice and anise.
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Decadent Pinot, not quite the caliber of its successor or predecessor, but still very enjoyable. A little less fruit on the front end, a little earthier but rich and concentrated darker fruit and a little dried fig.
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Vindredi (Bellevue, WA): Tasted blind. More funk and earth on the nose. Overall, I found it to be quite young and overly oaky (that's the style, I guess?). A bit of bitterness, too, alongside the tart acids.
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Initially, the wine begins disjointed and uneven on the bouquet and palate with stem elements dominating the aromatics. The wine based on the initial impressions seems destined to give a disappointing showing. The wine greatly benefits from airings with expressive and focused dark fruit elements emerging and the stem notes relegated to the background. The palate also benefits from airing becoming harmonious and focused. Based on this bottle, this should benefit from an additional year or two of bottle age. Overall (with airing) this wine gave a more complete showing than previous experiences with this wine.
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While the style of this wine is way too new world for my taste, I have to acknowledge that the depth and nuances of this wine are exceptional. This wine also steadily evolves and improves over 24+ hours. My tasting guest was blown away by something on the nose that reminded him of campfires from his youth.
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What a mess. This was thin throughout the evening. The wine was very light colored, like an Oregon pinot. I've been drinking SS since 2006, and this was my first bad bottle. Note: my non-geek friends thought this was delicious. No wine knowledge can be a good thing, but I was disappointed. I have another bottle, and will let it sleep a while.
This bottle immediately reminded me of adult cranberry cocktail. Pure bright red fruit with a distinct Pecorino (cheese) quality, almost spicy. Perfect pinot texture that continued to build in the mouth.
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The wine is a deep ruby to violet color. The sexy nose has black raspberries, cherries, Asian spices, wood smoke, violets, vanilla, minerals and some earthiness. This has medium body, moderate, ripe tannins, and very nice acidity. The palate shows nice, rich, smoky, spicy, dark berries and cherry flavors with some subtle earthiness adding depth. The finish is fairly long with the fruit giving way to the more savory elements. This is still on the young side and improved with air, but is very satisfying and enjoyable.
Definitely on the young side, but even now this drinks nicely. Nicely aromatic, although the oak is still a bit heavy (it does dissipate as the wine breathes). Nice cherry, cola and spice on the palate. Ample acidity, mild tannins. Needs a little time to round out a bit more, but should be quite good in another couple years.
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A nice bottle of pinot, but needed over an hour to open. It was thin and odd at first, but gained fruit and depth until, an hour later, it was very enjoyable.
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This is a clear, brilliant hue of scarlet that is cranberry red to the edge. The smells of this wine float out of the glass before it is swirled. The aromas are floral, crushed red berries and cherries, earth, red licorice, and dark spices. The tastes are earth, coffee, sweet cherry, peppery spices, menthol, licorice, and a hint of cola. The body is medium weighted with nice acidity and fruit tannins that are satin like in texture. The finish is fruit forward but a bit short up front and ends with some grip.
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Sweet, rich fruit that approaches the edge of being too big but doesn't quite cross it. There's a lot of integration that needs to take place here but if the older bottles of Sea Smoke that I've had are any indication, this one should be really nice in a few years. If you are going to open one now, I'd suggest a good decant.
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Decent but expected more, decent red fruit on the nose, but seemed held back by A licorice/oak overtone on The palate. Will definitely wait a few years before trying again.
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Opened this on a whim and pretty quickly regretted it. You can tell there is some structure and potential there but this bottle was a bit of a one trick pony. It also wasn't as California pinot as I expected it to be. I'll reserve judgement for 3-4 more years until I open another one of these.
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Pop and pour - note after 90 minutes. Cherries and strawberry licorice on the nose. Fruits are a bit darker on the palate. Big tannins for a pinot - lots of concentration. Tight. This is a nice wine but will definitely benefit from another 2 or 3 years in the cellar. Upside potential.
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The darkest of the Pinot noirs we tried on this night, it is essentially opaque, with a base color of cherry red and a good deal of purpling. The nose is very spicy, almost Syrah-like, with a candy character not unlike Red Hots. The palate is sweet and monolithic, but also quite tannic and a touch on the hot side (14.5% ABV). The finish is medium length, but still a bit astringent. Overall, it is probably unfair to rate this now, as it just seems too young. I gave it a 90- in my notes, and would recommend sitting on this for at least another year or maybe two. If it integrates the way I think it will, it should be much improved.
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Still a bit young. Has some nice red berry fruit and a hint of earthiness. I think this will be a winner in 2 or 3 years. I like the continued restraint seen in the last few vintages. Not as big of a Pinot bomb as earlier vintages.
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Drank last night so I don't have notes but this was a rather pedestrian pinot and while its quite good I can't say it was distinctive or that I have any lasting memory of the fruit or finish.
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No notes but an easy cap to the evening. Classy, elegant. Probably not as good as past vintages but a damn worthy Pinot. Worth a half a hundred? Probably not but I didn't sweat it going down.
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Big and meaty. Not quite as elegant as some of the prior vintages of Seasmoke. Finishes a bit sweet. On the whole, very good but I would love to see how it develops over time.
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Big and bold. Cherries and more cherries. Nice acidity with no over extraction. After drinking over a span of 6 hours I'm holding out hope that it will improve with age. I kept thinking that the alcohol poked through a bit too much, and maybe this will integrate better with time. Drink next 2014-2015.
After 2 hours of decanting we decided it still needed another 1+ hours in the glass. Then it finally opened up and showed itself. This is a big, full-bodied Pinot that can easily hold up to heavier foods.
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Decanted in closed decanter for 4hrs. Disappointing, somewhat tart and thin. I don't understand why the 09 Santa Rita Hills Pinots, don't measure up to the Sonoma Coast vintage?
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Wow, I really like this wine! All the elements of a great Pinot in this one, earthiness and minerality on the nose, great color, and the opulent fruit that one would expect in a California Pinot. It was even better on Day 2. I have another bottle of the 2009 in the cellar, will keep that one for a while, and look forward to the 2010's.
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We had this Saturday MaY 12/12 to celebrate Cynthia's new job (turned out to be the 32nd anniversary of when I started with the Manitoba government (1980). We very much enjoyed this wine, went nicely with rib-eye steak, full bodied, lingering finish, with a bit of a bite. Definitely have again.
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Drunk with CHMIA dinner (all you can eat Dungenness crab) at Spyglass restaurant in Shell Beach, with a bunch of Sonoma investigators and DA. Only 70 bucks on the wine list. Pretty color. Nice cherry fruit in the nose. Good fruit on the palate, though on the lighter side of the flavor spectrum. Has earth and grip components, but seems lacking just a bit in stuffing. Having heard so much about Sea Smoke, I was a little disappointed with my very first bottle of this wine. 4-12-15-7: 88/100.
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I was really expecting a spectacular Pinot. Not the case on this one. Probably too young and may need to sit for a couple of years. Chocolate on the nose. Will try again in a few years.
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PNP at "The Grill" in Westlake with a nice double cut pork chop. Cherry and bubble gum with a touch of wood on the nose. Fruit forward but in a good way with cherry and spices on the palate. A little heavy on alcohol especially on the pour but did mellow out some. Light on the tannins with a long finish. The wine was approachable but could probably use 6 months to year on it's side.
A touch lighter in color. Kool-aid like nose -- sweet, candied cherries but also a little plummy. Very lush on the palate with light acidity and moderate tannins. Enjoyable but there was a strange artificial quality to it. Would be good to try another one in a few years to see if there's any complexity that develops.
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Tasted at Los Olivos Tasting Room & Wine Shop. Aromas of crushed stone, ash and red fruit. The fruit on the palate was more plum than cherry. Additional dried herb and dried floral notes. Silky and fine with firm tannin and sweet fruit finishing notes that lingered. Could have been the setting and/or the poor stemware of the tasting venue, but the wine seemed tight and awkward. (no score)
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Decanted about 2 1/2 hours. Cherry and forest floor on the nose, with hints of rose petals and spice. Great acidity on the palate. Sour cherry and damp earth flavors, with pepper on the mid-palate, and a nice floral finish
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When initially opened was not impressed for first hour. Light nose of cherry and dark fruit, similar midpalate notes and no finish. After 1.5-2 hours the wine began to open up and was enjoyable as the midpalate began to evolve with deep dark fruits and finished with raspberry. Was decent but not as good as the 2008. I hope a couple years in the cellar will allow this wine to develop as previous vintages.
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my first Sea Smoke, and I was expecting something in the full-blown Cali style of Kosta-Browne. That's not what this is. Rather, it's a restrained, elegant and feminine wine with pure fruit and fascinating nose that mixed varietal funk with a unique polymer note that, while it sounds weird, was not at all unpleasant. Really good. 92
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Great color, light fruit and soft tannins. Opened up a little after an hour decant. Earthy nose and cherry notes. Disappointing. will not open the next bottle for 2 years.
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Great pinot. Waaaaaay too young, but I wanted to try it anyway to see how the others will hold up. Nose of rasberries, oak and a touch of earth... not giving much right now. Taste is similar to the nose with a bit of strawberry. It has a very good acid level and the fruit is very fresh-tasting. Medium long, tannic finish. I'd wait two years or more before opening the next one.
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Wound tight on a pop and pour. Let it sit for about an hour and a half and this started to shine. Bright fruit (cherry) is quite expressive, with mouth watering acidity.A really delicious wine
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Ruby with med-lite viscosity in the glass. Cherry, strawberry, wet earth and flowers on the nose. Secondary spice. Med-lite body and simple with young, muted red fruit and plum on the palate. Secondary spice. Stemmy, bordering on soapy, tannin. Medium finish. Became more soapy as it opened. Not serviceable at this time.
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Tart Cherry and cranberry dominate the wine. The nose is rustic with definite earth tones. Hopefully this will settle with some more time in the cellar, far from a Grand Cru.
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Very dark, but not opaque. Strong dark fruited nose, with a savory element, quite nice. Fell apart on the palate. Full bodied. Jammy and flabby. Where's the acid? Not sure I would nail it as Pinot if served blind. WTF - they put grand cru on the label. What a joke. B-
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Opened about an hour before drinking with chicken and asparagus. Aroma of black raspberry, strawberry and some earthiness. There is also a very slight hint of mocha in the nose as well. Tastes like the dark raspberry and plum as well, and is very smooth although it does have a bit of acidity that pops in.
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A little sharp with a tannin finish on opening. However it got better after time in the glass. Pleasant taste of cherry. Finish got smoother by the end of the meal.
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pop and pour at cellar temperature. Immediate mix of sweet and tart cherry with a little cranberry. No overt alcohol, but it's cold right now. As it warms the alcohol is more evident and some of the Sea Smoke icee/cotton candy. I still like the style--they have backed off on the extraction. Some smoky caramel, a little clove and a nice minty herbal note. HRH says, "pomegranate"--SCORE. I think it has really cool complexity but the alcohol is a little out of balance on the finish. Once you get past the alcohol, the finish goes long. Even with the balance issue, I wouldn't kick it out of the cellar.
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A bit sharp and acidic on opening; balanced flavor with fruit forward red cherry early then darker red berry and slight sour cherry ending; modest finish.
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Slightly sweet and mild orange and cherry nose, but also a bit sharp. Pallet is a bit dry, but has well balanced flavors with cherry, a hint of licorice, and forest pine.
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Probably one of the better Southing's of the last few years. Nothing great, but well made. Moderately restrained cherry fruit dominates. Tasty, if somewhat one dimensional.
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Rope/wicker on the nose when it was first opened transitioning to Pete and dark fruit. This is a medium bodied wine with some spice that could be mistaken for something typically a little darker like a syrah. A hint of chalky candy (think valentines day candy) after an hour. Unfortunately I finished this wine with my friends about 70 minutes after opening it. We should have slowed down to see what else developed.
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Silky soft well balanced wine. Cherry and beautiful floral aroma on the nose. Ning cherry and a hint of strawberry. Paired well with appetizer before sushi. A crowd gave rate tonight.
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From my first allocation with Sea Smoke. I was anxious to try this, knowing it was very young. Lot's of cherry and ripe red fruit. Soft and fresh. Really enjoyed this and it is drinking nicely right now and hope for it develop over the next few years.
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Opened for 30 minutes. Nice ruby color. Some rose petal and bright cherry on the nose. Nutmeg and pumpkin spice with light red fruit flavors. Nothing spectacular, but still very nice. I'll give it some more time.
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I was expecting something heavier, but as other reviewers have noted, this is not the heavy Cali fruit bomb. Way too young, but nicely balanced. Tart today, but shows a sense of precision. I think this will be better in 2-4 years, with the acids hopefully integrating over that time.
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Opened and poured, this wine gave a good showing but did not provide any compelling elements. This seems forward and accessible with ample fruit and good balance. This drinks well now and hopefully some additional bottle age results in additional nuance and complexity.
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This was blinded to me in what was thought to be a Grand Cru(Burgundy) tasting......I thought young(2008?Vosne Romanee?), candied raspberry/cherry fruit....but didn't waiver thinking it wasn't a Burg. It had a good amount of mineralness to it.....as well as a good dose of vanilla oak, and dusty cherry spice. It was really ripe in fruit, so chalked it up as young burg. As the night went on....the sweetness came out, as well as caramel, and some dr pepper, forest floor......really well balanced to the sweeter side. All in all...I liked this! More restrained than previous SS...but don't kid yourself....this is NO Grand Cru!
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Agree with the other poster (2009 Ten review) re: limited experience with Sea Smoke, their reputation, "fruit bomb" style, etc. Also agree that the wine was more Burgundian. And I, too, was impressed. Quite tight, opened nicely after 4 hours. Sour and thin initial pop-and-pour replaced by round, strawberry, slight mineral and pie spice. Nice mouthfeel, fresh acid, good integration from front of mouth to mid-palate to finish. Finish quite enjoyable, reasonably long, and balanced throughout. Very excited by the potential and more excited that it wasn't what I expected. Much, much better in my opinion that SLH Pinot styles I've had too much of recently.
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4/21/2024 - Reblin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Aged nicely. Smooth, with lots of fruit and life remaining.
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4/20/2024 - GH_winelover wrote: 94 Points
From Two Magnums. Amazing. Smooth and with a great nose. So glad we had this to start dinner.
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11/18/2023 - Acohen Likes this wine: 92 Points
Sweet cherry, cinnamon, tea and nice finish
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5/14/2023 - Acohen Likes this wine: 91 Points
Rich tart cherry with cinnamon and cola
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4/23/2023 - RedLoverJim wrote: flawed
Corked
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10/30/2022 - bdhanna Likes this wine: 93 Points
Delicious and in a great spot !! I agree with my prior tasting notes, at or just past peak !!
Consumed my last bottle of this vantage over two days. This bottle may have lost a step or just past peak. I have no bottles remaining in my cellar.
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10/3/2022 - bdhanna Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious and in a great spot !! I agree with my prior tasting notes, at peak !!
Consumed with friends at dinner. I still have one bottle remaining in my cellar.
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9/21/2022 - ShannonGroomes Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank because Perry Point went Doug’s way!!!!
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9/3/2022 - bdhanna Likes this wine: 94 Points
Delicious !! I agree with my prior tasting note.
Consumed with friends this week at dinner. Still have three bottles remaining in my cellar.
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8/25/2022 - bdhanna Likes this wine: 94 Points
This wine is truly special !! At Peak, drink within a few hours of opening !!
The cork was perfect after over a decade in the bottle and easily removed. This is a balanced Pinot Noir that I consumed over the course of two days. Deep ruby color with no oxidation, clarity medium. Aromas of pomegranate and rose hips, flavors of red fruit compote, rhubarb, and marine soil with a pleasant medium finish. Popped and poured, it was bright and fruity upon opening, then much more soft and muted on day two. Great fruit with firm acidity made into a very balanced Pinot Noir from the south-facing hillside bluffs found on the Seasmoke Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills appellation of Santa Barbara County by the cool Pacific Ocean along the San Ynez River canyon. Great winemaking making this Pinot Noir is an age worthy wine and has many more years of life left. I have four more bottles of this vintage remaining in my cellar and will open another soon to verify my tasting note.
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7/29/2022 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 97 Points
Just at absolute peak and glorious. Dark cherry, blood orange & black raspberry, with some clove and mild mushroom notes. Dried herbs and tobacco. Not funky and earthy, but more of lavender and Asian spices on the nose. Gorgoeus. Still a personal favorite. Drink now, but not on the decline.
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3/10/2022 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 92 Points
Subsequent notes on this wine from about three years ago. Deep, rich, dark garnet in color with slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & aromatic nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blueberries & plums with overtones earthy/dusty & floral notes, spices, herbs, minerals & oak/vanilla notes in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, lush, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blueberries & mulberries with spices, cola, herbs, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Smooth lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present but at 13 years of age it is at or close to its peak of development but should still hold to this plateau for several more years if cellared properly.
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11/25/2021 - lovemycab Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted and drank over the course of 2 hours side by side with the 2010 Southing. Initially and throughout the evening, the 2009 was more tannic than the 2010, but had much more tertiary flavors. This wine still has enough left if you want to wait and see how the tertiary aromas and flavors continue to develop. For what it's worth, everyone at the Thanksgiving feast preferred the 2010.
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10/26/2021 - Reblin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not as robust as in the past. Elegant but a bit faded. The fruit is still there, with a smidge of jam and spice. The cork disintegrated on opening, which may have played a role.
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8/25/2021 - ALG59 Likes this wine: 93 Points
The last bottle we tried was corked. The one shared last night was tasting great.
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12/25/2020 - JRoman23 Likes this wine: 94 Points
Had this with a 2018 vintage. Acidity was gone, nice layers for a Pinot noir. This wine is Always a recommendation. Drank with Fred Pam Donna.
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9/16/2020 - Djfermentation Likes this wine: 93 Points
From Magnum. Initial fruit has subsided and this Pinot seems to be drinking in a middle ground now with some earth, spice, and rustic elements prevailing at this time. A somewhat masculine Pinot but still maintaining some elegance. A nice, mature, Cali Pinot Noir.
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5/29/2020 - davudvl Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drank it over three days. Was the best on day 3.
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11/24/2019 - Vinnut Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep, rich, dark garnet in color with ever-so-slight clearing at the edges. Full, forward & aromatic nose of ripe fruit aromas of cherries, blackberries & plums with overtones earthy/dusty & floral notes, spices, herbs, minerals, cola & a slight hint of oak/vanilla in the background. Medium-full bodied with a very good concentration of well balanced & smooth textured, rich, ripe fruit flavors of cherries, blueberries & plums with spices, cola, herbs, minerals & a hint of oak/vanilla. Smooth lingering finish. Drinks quite well at present but at 10 years of age still has potential for further development with additional aging if cellared properly.
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11/23/2019 - srh Likes this wine:
Winebar [4 Whites, 8 Reds, & 8 *shared* bottles] from 11/22/19 (Vintage Wines Ltd., San Diego, CA): Thank you, THANK you for sharing this MAGNIFICENT wine, my friend! :)
IF interested, be SURE to check out the detailed winery notes for this vintage on CellarTracker Articles [link to the lower left of the pg]. :)
N: Tough for me to parse, but in no particular order, ATTRACTIVELY *ripe* berries, earth, with hints of vanilla; Intensity lurking
P: LM body; Rndish entry with NICE, almost swtish frt met by an astringent pucker which stays in contact with the init frt as it seamlessly transitions into a very LONG, BALANCED finish with a delightful, TANGY/swtness to the few, firming, unoffensive, very, VERY fine tannins. An *impressive* wine for now, & I can see it holding through '23 min. My EXC+/Exceptional- (94-97/100 using that metric). 92 pts Suckling, 91 WA & Vinous (Raynolds), and 89 RJonWine (11/24/11). [As of late Nov '19, wine-searcher still shows 2 sources @ $119 & $250].
Note: Likely from the same bottle as Vinnut above. Also, when I last revisited this (after ≈4 1/2 hrs in a small tasting glass) the wine's *incredible* BALANCE *still* had it singin'! ;)
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9/23/2019 - RonniePiemonte wrote: 93 Points
Fresh and balanced. Nice fruit without wood or sweetness. Spice and tea. Smooth mouth. Going strong.
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8/25/2019 - carlsport Likes this wine: 92 Points
Still kicking...well integrated fruit, light spice and with a still lush mouthfeel.
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3/29/2019 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Consistent notes. Blueberry central. Chinese five spice. Love it.
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3/22/2019 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 96 Points
Cherry cola, bright strawberry, touch of citrus. Fleshy and floral, low acid. Signature Chinese 5 spice on the nose
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1/26/2019 - Somm David T Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine made famous by the movie “Sideways” in 2004. After the movie came out, their bottle price jumped and it was all of sudden hard to find. Marketing!!!
The nose reveals, sweet, slightly sour and ripe; blackberries, some black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, blueberries cranberries, pomegranate, candied cherries and baked strawberries. Big vanillin, soft cinnamon stick, touch of clove, dark spice, herbaceous notes, mixed berry cola, dark, rich, moist soil, dry clay, dry stone, limestone minerals with dark red, blue fresh & withering flowers.
The body medium full. Tannins nicely resolved but, still have tarry teeth. The structure and tension nicely softened. The 09 is beautifully integrated. The length and balance have hit their high point. Ripe; blackberries, some black raspberries, dark cherries, plum, mix of some purple fruits, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate, candied cherries and juicy strawberries. Red licorice/cola, good presence of vanillin, soft cinnamon stick, touch of clove, dark spice, black licorice, herbaceous notes; bay leaf, mint, eucalyptus, dark, rich, moist, soil, clay, river stones, limestone minerals and dark red, blue fresh & withering flowers with violets. The acidity is round and like a rain shower. The finish is extremely well balanced, seamless, elegant, rich, persistent for minutes with ripe fruit, medium dark spice that brings some mild heat and haunting fragrant violets for minutes.
Nice development in the last 15-16 months. The 09 Southing has another 3-5 years of good sipping ahead of it.
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1/3/2019 - richardkim Likes this wine: 92 Points
A beautiful wine, with expressive cherry and dark raspberry flavors, Dr. Pepper, and a fine freshness.
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12/31/2018 - jtommo71 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Tannins mellowed, fruit subtle, enjoyed it!
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11/22/2018 - Buhever Likes this wine: 90 Points
A well-made pinot that is aging well. It is very typical for a Southing but the age has replaced some of the tart cranberry notes I typically get in a Southing and replaced them with softness and sweeter high- tones. I'm thinking I want to age one of these for another three years and see what happens.
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11/22/2018 - lovemycab Likes this wine:
Decanted and drank side by side with 2010 Southing for Thanksgiving. This bottle tasted and looked like the younger wine of the two. Even the cork on the 09 was like new with little red versus the 10 was deep red with sediment. Both were purchased upon release and stored in cellar. Most of the group preferred the 10 as it had more fruit with softer tannins than the 09 with less fruit and more tannins. Not sure this will get any better as the fruit is fading.
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9/30/2018 - ARiverofPisoni wrote: 92 Points
Still showing up. Very enjoyable bottle. Nicely balances right now.
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8/31/2018 - Cellar Baron wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very well.
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8/14/2018 - Cellar Baron wrote: 92 Points
Lamb chops. Later chocolate. Both with Sea Smoke. Pretty darn good.
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6/4/2018 - amoryb Likes this wine:
Drinking just great. More depth than I remember past bottles. No cola notes. Fruit is trending nicely towards dark cherries and almost, but not quite, a savory note on the finish
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5/27/2018 - pjhr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Continues to drink well with more mature fruit and earthy elements wrapped in a classic Sea Smoke profile.
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5/19/2018 - NeuroWine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Dark on color, nice earthiness balanced with acidity. Paired really well with a roasted cauliflower dish in middle eastern style.
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4/2/2018 - Cellar Baron wrote: 88 Points
This review nailed the bottle we just drank (disappointing):
"CSIMM1161 WROTE: 90 Points
State Bird Provisions (San Francisco): From Magnum. Medium-to-light bodied flavors of black cherry, allspice, cedar, vanilla, and earth/soil. A faint herbal tinge on the back end. The delivery on this wine was fairly linear and somewhat flat; a little tight with tinges of alcohol-laced vanilla. Clipped on the finish. It came off young in terms of its restrained and lithe attack (like it needed to gain some serious weight), but also appeared somewhat over the hill with its fading fruit. Not sure what to make of this wine exactly. 88-90 points?"
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3/24/2018 - pjhr Likes this wine: 94 Points
Classic Sea Smoke! Lovely aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, vanilla, and cedar with moderate tannins and acidity on a long finish
This bottle, from my passive cellar, is drinking younger than the last 2 bottles from my temp controlled cellar!
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3/20/2018 - pjhr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Tasty mature ripe fruit and earthy notes on the nose and palate with enough acidity on the moderate finish to keep it refreshing. Drink up!
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1/25/2018 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 94 Points
So very elegant. So silky smooth. So well balanced. So many flavor nuances and so divine.
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1/6/2018 - Swekman wrote: 90 Points
Nose of sharpened pencil, crayon, red earth, raspberries, white pepper, blackberries, and dried cherries. The tannins are stout for this Pinot and the finish is smooth. Very good.
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12/24/2017 - tgkswine wrote: 92 Points
Both the Southing and Ten were showing very well at Christmas Eve dinner. I was rewarded by laying these down several years after opening my first bottle. A somewhat lighter, balanced Pinot that is not too fruity. Cherry, a hint of cola and dark fruit all in harmony.
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12/17/2017 - pjhr Likes this wine: 93 Points
Continues to drink well with more mature fruit and earthy elements wrapped in a classic Sea Smoke profile.
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11/25/2017 - MC wrote:
From magnum. Probably at or just past it's peak. Reasonably good and enjoyed by all but not great. There was a tar and rubber element that overpowered at times. B+
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11/23/2017 - MJMorris55 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opened for about 30 minutes, nose of violets, cherries. Purple color and a more expressive nose in the glass. Nice balance, good acidity, dark cherries, spice, cedar wood and a hint of herbs. Lovely Pinot.
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11/4/2017 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wow, this has really hit its stride. Dark garnet color. Dark, sour cherry, smoke and a bit of pepper on the palate. Medium bodied with a dry, mineral finish. Apparently I have been drinking my Southing too early.
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11/4/2017 - StraightnoChaser wrote: 90 Points
Pinot Party 2017 (Magnum) - tied for WOTN with a 2014 Penner-Ash Palmer Creek. One of six different bottles and the first to be emptied. Very good but seemed to have faded compared to the vibrancy of 750ml bottles drank in 2013 & 2014.
I had hoped the larger format would have helped the Wine age a bit more gracefully but when it’s gone it’s gone. Don’t wait any longer
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10/8/2017 - csimm wrote: 90 Points
State Bird Provisions (San Francisco): From Magnum. Medium-to-light bodied flavors of black cherry, allspice, cedar, vanilla, and earth/soil. A faint herbal tinge on the back end. The delivery on this wine was fairly linear and somewhat flat; a little tight with tinges of alcohol-laced vanilla. Clipped on the finish. It came off young in terms of its restrained and lithe attack (like it needed to gain some serious weight), but also appeared somewhat over the hill with its fading fruit. Not sure what to make of this wine exactly. 88-90 points?
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8/7/2017 - DMacMac Likes this wine: 90 Points
Ripe plums, fig jam, and cherries on the nose, and palette. Very smooth and terroir come through with very slight tannins. A very slight hint of pepper. Delicious and delicate.
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7/30/2017 - rmalloy Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice. Subdued dark fruit, spices, mushroomy earth, and smoke on the nose. Livelier on the palate with more cranberry.
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7/14/2017 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 94 Points
This has nice red fruit, cherries, followed by mushroom, and does have big red cherry flavors and a spicy finish.
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7/14/2017 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
Violets, dark blue fruit. Cocoa, tobacco, mushroom?, plum, raspberry. Asian spice. Black raspberry.
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6/2/2017 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Drank over a couple of hours. Nice red fruit and flavor. In it's peak drinking window. No need to wait any longer.
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3/18/2017 - Swekman wrote: 91 Points
Nose of graphite, leather, crayon, tart cherries, and vanilla. The tannins are medium and the finish is long.
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2/15/2017 - ravbik wrote: 94 Points
Wonderful surprise. Well balanced Pinot with tart cherries, spices, mild earthly notes, mild vanilla , mild tannins. Great place
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2/11/2017 - Vinyljunkee Likes this wine:
Time to drink up
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1/21/2017 - dhammer53 wrote: 91 Points
Sea Smoke was my first mailing list wine. This happens to be my last bottle. Big changes since I last drank this a few years ago. Dark. Sweetish. A hint of tannins. I was pleasantly surprised. Drank this with Flyertalkers and a few Berserkers. Dinner was an assorted of fish.
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1/1/2017 - Reblin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth, ample red fruit. Light acidity. The magnum disappeared quickly.
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12/4/2016 - Vinyljunkee Likes this wine: 90 Points
This wine is fully matured, and I may have missed the ideal window. It has lost most of the berry and vanilla notes that I love.
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11/23/2016 - Vinyljunkee Likes this wine: 90 Points
I think the wine is very nice right now and unlikely to mature much further.
The wine looks garnet colored with medium legs. There is no sediment in the bottle. Aromas of black currant (cassis), blackberry and cherry. Flavors of strawberry, blackberry and vanilla with a medium body. The wine has smooth texture and has a nice, long finish.
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11/6/2016 - cliffkol wrote: 93 Points
Mature red fruits, classic burgundy style. Medium tannins, leather, earth, slight smoke. Depth and concentration, great structure. Long finish.
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11/5/2016 - andrewdodd86 Likes this wine: 95 Points
30th Birthday Party - Sitti - Raleigh (Sitti Raleigh): From Magnum. Cranberry, bright fruit, tannins still there (for a Pinot). Nice juice.
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11/5/2016 - rustyRudy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Elegant, red fruit, smoke and minerals. From a magnum. Everything was in its place.
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11/4/2016 - Chainthroer wrote: 92 Points
Ruby colored with reddish hue; slight yellowing on the rim; clear. Cherry, hints of strawberry, rose, a composed and subtle French oak in the background. Rich and fairly intense fruit. Nice balance at this stage. Good structure, but a very slight acidic sting on the tongue (does not interfere with the wine appreciation). A fairly long and velvety finish. A good pairing with Atlantic salmon.
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10/13/2016 - pmarlo Likes this wine: 92 Points
Again Sea Smoke comes through. I think 2007 and 2009 have the most lingering fruit for recent vintages and hard to go wrong with either. Nice balance, more depth that before, and evolved as time went on. Recommended.
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8/16/2016 - WineDoctors wrote:
Clear ruby to garnet Med viscocity stewed fruit red cherries color to rim. Concentrated Violets mace medium acid Med plus body long finish
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7/31/2016 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 90 Points
It's been 3 years since we last tasted a bottle of the 09. Reviewing past notes, this is still consistent with that time. Decanted about 1 hour. Smooth and a very good Pinot but not much has changed. Still drinking well but not seeing any growth. Drink up.
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5/20/2016 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 90 Points
Deep brooding earthy notes of sour, black cherry, blackberry with a hint of spice. Full bodied and a bit smoky.
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5/14/2016 - jsherdc Likes this wine: 93 Points
Full bodied, intensively flavored new world Pinot. I love the cherry. Lacks the ethereal sense of the best pinots, but oh so good. 92/93
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5/10/2016 - TPB Likes this wine: 93 Points
Fantastic! Restrained, earth, with dark cherry and subtle red fruit nose. Good acidity paired with a robust Spanish meal. Really good Cali pinot.
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5/1/2016 - JS199 wrote: 92 Points
Well made, but not raising my eyebrows. Just not as good as the name suggests. 91/92
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4/30/2016 - Vietty wrote:
Third bottle over the last couple of years, this was the best one. The fruit has taken a back seat while some of the more subtle notes appear. Even the first bottle was not overtly fruity but this bottle seems to be in better balance. Red fruit that lies on the darker shade of red with spices and earthy notes. Nice texture and acidity for food, not lush or cloying. Just a hint of heat at the end. A little bit over priced.
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4/18/2016 - JPH104 Does not like this wine:
Oak dominant, fruit fading. Hot and out of balance. Very disappointing.
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3/24/2016 - pjhr Likes this wine: 93 Points
As delicious as the last bottle!
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2/9/2016 - Jakubd01 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Not as forward with fruit as I expected. Good and smooth just not wow.
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12/24/2015 - Delli Likes this wine: 92 Points
Purple but transparent with a medium/light body. Nose of earthy mushrooms, rhubarb, sweet cherries, rich red fruit and oak. The nose is the highlight of this wine and is intoxicating with layers. Balanced acidity, dark red fruit, and a lingering mineral finish. 5+13+16+8=92
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12/23/2015 - budh wrote: 91 Points
PNP. Lots of earthy, mushroomy aromas, along with menthol, smokey oak, raspberry, bramble, cola, spice. A very dark fruit & spice overall impression. Gorgeous texture, high acidity, medium- tannins. A little hot and oaky to start, dominating the fruit. It smoothes out with some air time. Reasonably long spicy, tart finish, with some dark cherry lingering. The texture and finish make it hard to put this down, despite the heavy oak.
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12/22/2015 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 93 Points
Decanted. Good bouquet raspberry notes.
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12/2/2015 - kgh wrote: 91 Points
Full-bodied and forward with flavors of dark cherry, currant, and hints of mushroom. Nice balance and finish.
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11/26/2015 - Reblin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious magnum. Excellent, bright fruit; light acidity. Paired well with Thanksgiving dinner.
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11/26/2015 - MDRwinos wrote: 92 Points
Decanted for 1:30. Excellent, full-bodied pinot. Drinking extremely well now. No reason to hold longer if you have some.
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11/26/2015 - pjhr Likes this wine: 94 Points
Classic Sea Smoke! Lovely aromas and flavors of raspberry, tart cherry, vanilla, and cedar with moderate tannins and acidity on a long finish.
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11/22/2015 - brigcampbell wrote:
Second bottle of this in the last two months for whatever reason, just dump luck as I hadn't had on in years. Good color and clarity. Cherry liqueur scent with a light burnt toast. Strong kirch core surrounded by terpin and toasted oak. Paired with an extravagant homemade Persian meal. I'm stuffed.
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11/14/2015 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 95 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Absolutely gorgeous Pinot Noir that delivers all the goods with an elegance finesse in a decidedly California style. The cherry and cranberry fruit and cinnamon spice carries into a lengthy smooth finish. The wine has a warmth to it with perfect acidity. Drink now and over the next 8 to 10 years.
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10/11/2015 - brigcampbell wrote:
These are starting to settle down losing the baby fat. It's a nice pinot, I just got priced out of the market. Good balance and bright red fruit with a dollop of oak and vanilla.
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10/10/2015 - Doc90 wrote: 90 Points
When I began exploring wine, a Sea Smoke Ten was the first wine that blew me away and revealed the thrilling level that wine can reach. The 2009 Southing isn't nearly as impressive as that was, but it is still a well made PN. Strawberry pie and cranberry nose. Very light bodied, strawberry pie palate. Mid palate minerality; limestone. The alcohol is completely hidden. A touch of olive on the short finish. Unfortunately these low-yield estate Pinot Noirs have surpassed what I consider a reasonable price, but Sea Smoke will always have meaning for me.
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10/4/2015 - VAD wrote: 92 Points
1 hour decant. A really nice wine. Easy to drink, good balance and a nice finish. Drinking well right now.
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10/3/2015 - cstir Likes this wine: 89 Points
Smooth on opening; now has slight dried dark cherry flavor with less complexity; good depth; moderate finish.
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9/5/2015 - Racer117 Likes this wine: 90 Points
From magnum alongside Ten (from 750ml).
This was enjoyed at P n' P and after a few hours of air. Time in glass was very good to this wine. This is extremely full bodied but unlike so many CA PN I have had lately, it was balanced. First aromas were muted but later on Raspberry and cola were prominent; flavors of ripe raspberry, brown spices, anise, and some pungent earth. So close to too much but perfectly on that edge. I had a preference to the Ten for its more balanced profile.
A very thoughtful opening for my birthday. Thank you!
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9/5/2015 - JuliannaDHS Likes this wine: 91 Points
We drank this from a magnum. This was a very big wine. I get so many flavors: raspberry, cherry, spices, and cola. We also had an '09 Ten at the same time and I liked the Ten a bit more. I think it was a touch more balanced.
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9/4/2015 - Blackwa Likes this wine: 94 Points
Great flavors, not as much depth as I had remembered but fresh black cherry, spice, and a healthy dose of vanilla on the palate. As it sits in the glass it develops Clove, stewed strawberry, and some cola. Very nice acidity and balance
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8/19/2015 - pmarlo Likes this wine:
This is more like the Sea Smoke I first was drawn to. Very nice fruit, cherry/raspberry flavor, but deep flavors and a semi-bitter finish. Tannins are present when the wine is swished in the mouth but restrained. Took about a good hour or more to really begin to show the deeper fruit. Enough structure of fruit and tannins to age more, but not sure about the acidity, as it was not overly bright. but this is drinking well now but requires some time in the glass. Recommended and will age up to 5 years more, but i have been surprised at how long the wines can age, going longer.
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8/19/2015 - brianngibson wrote: 92 Points
End of the road for this wine for me -- last bottle. But it was the finest of my three. Showing great fruit expression with increased elegance. Cherry fruit and a velvety medium length finish.
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8/6/2015 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours. A very inviting nose that draws you into a sexly delicious wine with sweet ripe cherry and strawberry fruit that melds seamlessly into a short mild mid-palate showing cedar and baking spices. The omnipresent mascerated strawberry fruit rides on into a luscious lengthy finish. Will continue to improve for several years.
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7/26/2015 - jbro Likes this wine: 89 Points
consumed after a 2009 Roar Rosella--so different--much more primary fruit-almost grapey. Dark color, blueberry and blackberry nose, not much acidity on the palate and a moderate finish. Pleasant but not a wower.
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7/21/2015 - SeaSmoke wrote: 91 Points
Cherry notes on the nose and palate. Deep garnet in color. Short finish with well balanced tannins. This wine is drinking beautifully currently.
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7/2/2015 - PinotPaul Likes this wine: 91 Points
Wonderful, nice fruit. Slight tannin. Great depth.
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6/26/2015 - davidsm Likes this wine: 92 Points
Delicious.
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6/10/2015 - mmcdds Likes this wine: 92 Points
This is drinking very well tonight and , for me, is in a very good place. The forward fruit of its youth has mellowed and taken on a more elegant demeanor while still retaining lots of vitality, depth and nuance. Quite nice.
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6/1/2015 - Genghis88 Likes this wine: 90 Points
FRITZ'S 17TH BIRTHDAY *woof*
Rusty garnet, full bodied
Red licorice, leather, mint off the nose
Raspberries, and red berries, soft tannins, nicely balanced,
floral hints (lilies)
A good wine for sure, priced accordingly. Drinking better now than last bottle.
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5/25/2015 - sdsull Likes this wine: 92 Points
Popped and poured with Copper River salmon. Perfect match. Drinking well now with great balance of fruit and age.
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4/25/2015 - Meembo wrote: 89 Points
Pop-and-pour, I'm surprised at how funky this comes off on the nose with a little bit of mint. In terms of fruit, I get red cherry reduction.
The palate shows really nice tannin and acid structure, with pure cherry notes, dry earth and pomegranate. It transitions to a finish of pretty, pure red fruit.
Overall, a nice wine but I don't feel like there's anything special here.
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4/22/2015 - flwinos wrote: 92 Points
Drinking very well right now
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4/3/2015 - MDRwinos wrote: 91 Points
Full-bodied pinot. Decanted for 1.5 hours and could have used a bit more time. Once it settled, was a quite enjoyable bottle. A different bird of a pinot from most others. Not sure its worth the $$.
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3/21/2015 - ArtF Likes this wine: 91 Points
Crystalline red in glass. Like a good delicately fruity burg when first poured with minerals and balanced bright red fruits. But a hint of botrytis made this better the first hour than the second. Then became slightly jammy and less balanced.
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3/15/2015 - Bertly Likes this wine:
juicy dark cherries, finish fleeting, pretty nuanced, maturity 2012-2017
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3/13/2015 - RGCM Gananda Likes this wine: 93 Points
Beautifully perfumed red cherry and strong floral notes on the nose. When first opened, I might have mistaken this for an Oregon pinot noir as it came across as more delicately styled, highly perfumed, excellent balance and acidity diven and not fruit forward. While retaining that base, the longer it was open, the rounder and deeper and richer the middle became. Exhibited a complex blend of shifting red and black fruit, mainly cherry and red fruit to start, shading into raspberry and black fruit the longer it was open. Lots of mineral notes on the finish. Strength of this wine was its overall balance. While I expect it should be able to hold at this level for several more years, it's absolutely worth drinking now to enjoy to its full potential.
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3/4/2015 - bablues wrote: 91 Points
Didn't take detailed note. Nice, very smooth and on the light side.
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2/1/2015 - yeti575rider wrote: 93 Points
Great bottle to cheer on the Pats victory. SeaSmoke consistently makes my favorite Pinots. Another winner - perhaps not as fruit forward as some others but great nonetheless.
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1/31/2015 - JohnnyShiraz Likes this wine: 91 Points
14.5% ABV
Tannins are completely smooth, drink now, at it's peak
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1/25/2015 - ewsds wrote: 93 Points
A bit of funk on the nose. Medium-bodied with a darker fruit profile. Earth, dark fruit and a great finish. Drinking fantastic right now with a bit of air.
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1/4/2015 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 88 Points
This particular bottle was disappointing. Lacking in fruit and a bit thin on the finish. Not sure what happened as I have had 2 bottles of this and found it exceptional.
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12/30/2014 - Dental Jay wrote: 90 Points
Deeper more powerful pinot than expected. Quite good.
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12/26/2014 - lifebreath wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour. No complaints! Very fruit driven, but not too over the top.
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12/25/2014 - maderay wrote: 89 Points
VG. Red candied fruits, light to medium-bodied.
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12/21/2014 - blainem wrote:
Waiting...
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11/29/2014 - Seafoam Manor Does not like this wine: 85 Points
This was a really big disappointment. Over-oaked, thin, too much heat and really has a pretty one-dimensional, boring, flavor profile. If you factor in the price, it is probably worse. There are a bunch of Santa Rita Hills AVA entry level wines that drink better than this at a third of the price. Sometime you buy the label, sometimes you buy the wine.
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11/29/2014 - jeffreylubowski Likes this wine: 90 Points
This is easy to like. Smooth. High acid. Dark fruits. But there is no attempt whatsoever to resemble pinot as the grape juice you would get anywhere else. The alc is 14.5 and you can test every bit of it. And the color is more like a light bordeaux. I suppose it shows terroir though. Good drink but I would not buy at its current price nor if Jon Bonne was at your house.
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11/29/2014 - Baxter1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Thanksgiving treat...
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11/14/2014 - mmcdds Likes this wine: 92 Points
Drinking well tonight
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11/14/2014 - N.Bonaparte wrote: 92 Points
60 min decant. (This needs 75 min to open up)- medium plus bodied, persistent cherry throughout with some heat. Heat did not detract though. Average finish, average value. This will go another 5-7 years easy.
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11/10/2014 - VAD wrote: 92 Points
Excellent wine that was really enjoyed. Nice balance and depth. Great aromas. Drank very well.
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10/26/2014 - Golfer 67 Likes this wine: 95 Points
This is an outstanding wine with wonderful depth and very fully bodied. The aroma of blackberry and strawberry fill your glass as you enjoy this wine. It also has a wonderful long finish that keeps on giving. This wine is worth every penny that I paid for it.
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9/7/2014 - Shortjl51 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Great nose, great balance. Yummy. Dark red fruit flavors.
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8/24/2014 - docjavadude Likes this wine: 93 Points
Bright garnet color, candied fruit on the nose with lavender and spices. Lush mouth feel with dark red fruit, minerality, and well-balanced acidity. Pretty awesome example of Central Coast Pinot Noir.
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8/22/2014 - Dale B. wrote:
Good, but not worth the tariff IMO. So much other good juice out there for the same or less.
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8/5/2014 - Bigmanoren wrote:
Bad, turned
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7/21/2014 - JayAAllen Likes this wine:
A good effort, but not the best I've had from Sea Smoke. I think perhaps decanting might help, as the wine seemed tight from start to finish.
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7/20/2014 - Genghis88 Likes this wine: 89 Points
@ Wagner's
Light garnet, translucent, medium(-) body
Blackberry, cassis, red licorice, lots of candied dark fruit off the nose
Cherries, red currants, tannins, medium finish
A very nice effort!
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7/13/2014 - hackey37 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is a clear, bright ruby-garnet with good color density at the edge. The smells are candied read fruit, floral and earth, red licorice, and cinnamon like spices. The tastes are cherry, earthy cinnamon, red licorice, sassafras, and raspberry . There is some modest weight and the tannins are fine grained and ripe. The finish savory red fruit.
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7/13/2014 - MemorialWineFan Likes this wine: 91 Points
Drinking well now. Great fruit coming out, but not too much like some of the other fruit bombs.
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6/14/2014 - CruConnexion wrote:
Outstanding example of CA Pinot. Translucent garnet color. Abundant acidity. Cherries, slight cola. Could age for another 2-3 years, no more.
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6/7/2014 - jfurey21 wrote: 88 Points
wine might be in decline. drink up.
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6/2/2014 - gschneider wrote: 91 Points
Fabulous depth and maturity
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5/26/2014 - Flappas Cellars Likes this wine: 92 Points
memorial day bbq wine! very tasty. decanted for more than a hour.
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5/23/2014 - thi nguyen Likes this wine: 91 Points
Good wine berry .but the oak little take over but very balance wine
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5/4/2014 - George Lopez Likes this wine: 92 Points
Paired with grilled salmon, popped & poured. Really nice finish and just starting to show its true flavors. Very enjoyable.
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5/3/2014 - cstir Likes this wine: 90 Points
Smooth on opening; dark cherry; nice complexity with modest depth; pleasant finish.
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4/20/2014 - rwilk_2000 wrote: 91 Points
2014 Easter wine. Really enjoyed this bottle. Opened for about an hour before pouring and drank over next hour. Cherry, a little cola. Very well balanced. It's a big Pinot with lots of fruit, but still showed finesse. Looking forward to more.
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3/29/2014 - Bruce Weksler Likes this wine: 99 Points
GREAT PINO..
SMOTHE.
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3/27/2014 - Bob in NC Likes this wine: 93 Points
Decanted for 2 hours. Gorgeous Pinot Noir with titillating finesse and elegance; just delightful. Has enough acidity and weight to work extremely well with food, while being yummy to drink by itself.
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3/23/2014 - theharve wrote: 90 Points
it's young guys, don't judge it for 2-3 more years
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3/22/2014 - wendyinwlv wrote: 91 Points
Enjoyed with Laurie & Bruce. Smooth & rich, but a bit tart. The wine definitely benefited by breathing for an hour.
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3/9/2014 - daniel.jay wrote: 88 Points
For the price, really thought this underperformed. Acidity never came into balance, even with food I found this too tart.
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2/24/2014 - air guitar & pinot noir Likes this wine: 91 Points
This Southing was nice black plum, very structured and well integrated at this point in its life. Drinking very well and pretty seamless as it enters the palate. The fruit is an embedded component of the overall presentation with smooth tannins at this point. Not overly complex- just solid quality and drinking experience.
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2/22/2014 - rgidwani wrote: 91 Points
Ruby red color with flavors of cherry. Pleasantly tart. Opened up nicely after an hour of decanting.
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2/2/2014 - BSZach1 Likes this wine: 95 Points
This might have been one of my best bottles of sea smoke. I thought it tasted more like a burgundy than a ca pinot.
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1/20/2014 - Rustica Likes this wine: 94 Points
Wow! Happy Birthday to me! Excellent, as always. Smooth, supple mouthfeel, lush cherry that settled down and eased into a velvety ripple on the tongue that lasted beautifully. Just lovely.
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1/17/2014 - Gator96 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great stuff
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12/26/2013 - kleinahoe wrote: 90 Points
Borders on unremarkable.
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12/21/2013 - MDRwinos wrote: 92 Points
Full, rich Pinot. Opened for 1:00 which made a difference. Still fruit forward with hints of cherry & licorice.
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12/8/2013 - mmcdds Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very Sea Smoke. Rich dark red fruit, sassafras, earth and baking spice all framed in moderate oak. This was slightly lacking in depth and complexity, but the finish was good. All in all, quite nice and drinking well tonight.
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11/29/2013 - jfurey21 Likes this wine: 91 Points
had with thanksgiving dinner. perfect pairing.
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11/28/2013 - krhaugh Likes this wine: 90 Points
2nd bottle of the day, had just before dinner. Decanted a little over an hour. It has been 2 years since I last had this vintage and I don't think it has matured much, if any. Lot's of cherry and red fruit but not the wow I was looking for. Drinking very nicely and should lay for a while longer but I don't see this getting any better than it is right now.
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11/23/2013 - gfm10 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Note consistent from last time.
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11/23/2013 - wconnolly Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bright purple color. Beautiful clarity. Hint of pepper and dark cherry on the nose. Medium bodied, well balanced with sour cherry on the front palate. Medium finish with earth and a hint of smoke on the back palate. My favorite Pinot.
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10/22/2013 - peternelson wrote: 90 Points
Eatery: raspberry, black-red cherry; juicy, intense fruit, oak in check, simple one dimensional, very silky in the mouth, but pretty hot on the palate, despite 14.5% on the label.
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9/28/2013 - blgros wrote: 90 Points
silky. not complex, but smooth and elegant
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9/27/2013 - kleinahoe Likes this wine: 92 Points
Fantastic structure, just a tad lean.
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9/24/2013 - GalvezGuy wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Nose of black cherry, cranberry, spice, vanilla. On the palate, comes across as a little candied with bright cherries, black raspberry, Asian spice. Crisp finish really helps this out. I would be drinker these younger.
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9/22/2013 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 88 Points
Nose of strawberries and spice. On the palate it was both sweet up front and bitter on the back end, with a certain black fruit ensemble across the mid palate. I liked this but don't think it's particularly good VQP at around $60 a bottle.
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9/22/2013 - emdub wrote: 91 Points
Drank next to a 2008 Beaux Feres and a 1er Cru. This had the sexiest mouth feel of the three. Very strong cinnamon and nutmeg notes on the nose. While this is a constrained Pinot from Cali, it was by far the fruitiest of the three wines. Marcela loved it. Will stay on their list, although my palate likes the old world pinots much better. Overall a good wine.
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9/20/2013 - gfm10 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Very nice wine! Did not decant. Seemed a bit dark for a pinot. Typical CA pinot which we like. Had some heat but not much. Dark fruits with a very nice finish. Seemed like there is a pleasant strawberry jam finish. Should have taken two bottles for the bday dinner.
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9/13/2013 - tvjason Likes this wine: 91 Points
A lot darker and bigger than we expected. let it get some air.
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7/23/2013 - shapsplace wrote: 93 Points
YES, she is ready. This is a typical solid Sea Smoke Pinot. Mos Def ready to be consumed.
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6/23/2013 - winelover1808 wrote: 93 Points
my last 2009 in the cellar. very enjoyable. great wine to have by itself. great nose, great fruit and sweetness balanced by acidity with a very long finish. had this at the end of an evening and it was very nice.
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6/21/2013 - wiscgrad wrote: 92 Points
very nice pinot. Alittle subdued on the nose and pallate. Long finish. Drink now
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6/16/2013 - mulder wrote: 92 Points
Nose of red fruit, spice, and earthiness. The palate was tart red fruit and minerality that I would not expect from Cali Pinot with a bit of cherry on the finish. They seem to be evolving their style to not be as overtly big and trying to be more elegant. Also the acidity makes it work well with food. I like it.
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6/10/2013 - shaferguy91 wrote: 91 Points
No decant.
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6/9/2013 - dontime wrote:
Just delightful. Classic Pinot Noir nose of red fruit and spice. Wonderful in the mouth with surprising old world nuances. One of the best bottles of Sea Smoke I can remember. If scoring 92-94.
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6/9/2013 - sqn19 wrote: 90 Points
A nice, structured PN. Red fruits on nose and palate, which is just a bit thin. But elegant and enjoyable.
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5/17/2013 - brianngibson wrote: 90 Points
Dark cherries, mushrooms, and wet stones. A soft, but moderately long, finish.
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5/16/2013 - jbouchy wrote: 85 Points
Disappointing!!!
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5/10/2013 - Pointerman1967 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Really good Pinot. Had a touch of spice to it and a little less fruity than many Pinots. Enjoyed after meal with no food.
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4/27/2013 - tgkswine wrote: 89 Points
Hoping this will get better with more age but don't really think so. Overextracted and the fruit elements not really in harmony with one another. The finish was a bit bitter as well.
I am emphasizing the least desirable elements because others sharing that are not used to better wines were raving.
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4/9/2013 - smphelps wrote: 90 Points
A hazy ruby/light crimson. Pepper, tea and spice on the nose. Remarkable for its silky texture, lively and bright, leading to a nice bright finish. Characterized more by spice than fruit but what fruit appears tends toward dark cherry.
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3/28/2013 - PeterStarup wrote: 94 Points
A
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3/21/2013 - kosinski Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted a few minutes before tasting. Lively and youthful. Initially reticent nose developed with time in the glass to reveal plum compote and baking spices. On the palate, a basket of various cherries, berries and plums evolve rapidly. Spice notes appear with time in the glass. Silky mouthfeel. Tannins are very restrained, as is acidity. This is clearly young and should be decanted to enjoy now. Will be interesting to see what the other half of the bottle is like in a couple of days.
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3/15/2013 - bottles.and.bites Likes this wine: 90 Points
Had this was some chinese roast squab and it paired beautifully. The dark fruit flavors and round mouth feel balanced out the crispy oily skin of the squab. It finishes with hints of asian spice and anise.
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3/10/2013 - jonwill wrote: 90 Points
Decadent Pinot, not quite the caliber of its successor or predecessor, but still very enjoyable. A little less fruit on the front end, a little earthier but rich and concentrated darker fruit and a little dried fig.
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2/9/2013 - pdemaio wrote: 92 Points
a nice example of the hedonistic style emblematic of 09 cali pinot. nice oak. cherry. some cola. a bit young.
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2/8/2013 - dpolivy wrote: 90 Points
Vindredi (Bellevue, WA): Tasted blind. More funk and earth on the nose. Overall, I found it to be quite young and overly oaky (that's the style, I guess?). A bit of bitterness, too, alongside the tart acids.
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1/30/2013 - sehill wrote: 90 Points
Initially, the wine begins disjointed and uneven on the bouquet and palate with stem elements dominating the aromatics. The wine based on the initial impressions seems destined to give a disappointing showing. The wine greatly benefits from airings with expressive and focused dark fruit elements emerging and the stem notes relegated to the background. The palate also benefits from airing becoming harmonious and focused. Based on this bottle, this should benefit from an additional year or two of bottle age. Overall (with airing) this wine gave a more complete showing than previous experiences with this wine.
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1/30/2013 - daved wrote: 92 Points
loved by all
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1/2/2013 - kakpoo wrote:
While the style of this wine is way too new world for my taste, I have to acknowledge that the depth and nuances of this wine are exceptional. This wine also steadily evolves and improves over 24+ hours. My tasting guest was blown away by something on the nose that reminded him of campfires from his youth.
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12/31/2012 - PinotPaul wrote: 92 Points
Amazing nose of cedar and cherries, that goes on and on.
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12/29/2012 - dhammer53 wrote: 85 Points
What a mess. This was thin throughout the evening. The wine was very light colored, like an Oregon pinot. I've been drinking SS since 2006, and this was my first bad bottle. Note: my non-geek friends thought this was delicious. No wine knowledge can be a good thing, but I was disappointed.
I have another bottle, and will let it sleep a while.
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12/29/2012 - jacamp16 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This bottle immediately reminded me of adult cranberry cocktail. Pure bright red fruit with a distinct Pecorino (cheese) quality, almost spicy. Perfect pinot texture that continued to build in the mouth.
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12/28/2012 - VinoDiver wrote: 92 Points
Christmas wine. Beautiful red fruits with wonderful nose. A little greener on the finish than past vintages. Consumed over 3 nights with no let down.
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12/25/2012 - cbbrown3 wrote: 93 Points
The wine is a deep ruby to violet color. The sexy nose has black raspberries, cherries, Asian spices, wood smoke, violets, vanilla, minerals and some earthiness. This has medium body, moderate, ripe tannins, and very nice acidity. The palate shows nice, rich, smoky, spicy, dark berries and cherry flavors with some subtle earthiness adding depth. The finish is fairly long with the fruit giving way to the more savory elements. This is still on the young side and improved with air, but is very satisfying and enjoyable.
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12/23/2012 - stvjackson wrote: 90 Points
Definitely on the young side, but even now this drinks nicely. Nicely aromatic, although the oak is still a bit heavy (it does dissipate as the wine breathes). Nice cherry, cola and spice on the palate. Ample acidity, mild tannins. Needs a little time to round out a bit more, but should be quite good in another couple years.
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12/16/2012 - royalscam Likes this wine: 90 Points
My notes and observations are similar to recent notes; wine too young; needs time; will open with decanting but prefer aging in bottle; shows promise
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12/16/2012 - cgoumas wrote: 90 Points
A nice bottle of pinot, but needed over an hour to open. It was thin and odd at first, but gained fruit and depth until, an hour later, it was very enjoyable.
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12/13/2012 - xboomer wrote: 92 Points
Drank this really good bottle of Pinot at Waterloo in Culver City with Jay and Sylvia. Really fun time.
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12/3/2012 - hackey37 Likes this wine: 93 Points
This is a clear, brilliant hue of scarlet that is cranberry red to the edge. The smells of this wine float out of the glass before it is swirled. The aromas are floral, crushed red berries and cherries, earth, red licorice, and dark spices. The tastes are earth, coffee, sweet cherry, peppery spices, menthol, licorice, and a hint of cola. The body is medium weighted with nice acidity and fruit tannins that are satin like in texture. The finish is fruit forward but a bit short up front and ends with some grip.
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11/24/2012 - Rob MacKay wrote: 90 Points
Sweet, rich fruit that approaches the edge of being too big but doesn't quite cross it. There's a lot of integration that needs to take place here but if the older bottles of Sea Smoke that I've had are any indication, this one should be really nice in a few years. If you are going to open one now, I'd suggest a good decant.
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11/23/2012 - CounselorEp wrote: 91 Points
Still one of the better Cali pinots. Rarely if ever disappoints. Floral with long finish esp for Pinot. Velvety texture.
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11/22/2012 - MissCorkDork Likes this wine: 90 Points
I thought this was well balanced wine.
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11/22/2012 - Rcapria Likes this wine: 91 Points
sweet leggy rich and velvety. Will be better in a few years
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11/22/2012 - Jay72274 wrote:
Decent but expected more, decent red fruit on the nose, but seemed held back by A licorice/oak overtone on
The palate. Will definitely wait a few years before trying again.
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11/20/2012 - baseballvino wrote: 90 Points
Consumed too young. There is nice potential and good fruit here. Structure has potential, but it's just not ready to dance yet. Score should improve.
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11/20/2012 - Badgermitch wrote: 90 Points
ripe, floral. tastes of cherry. A little one dimensional. hopefully better over time
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11/12/2012 - dase13 wrote: 92 Points
Medium red in color. Scents of cherry and floral, slight herb/spice. Tastes of cherry, berry, and slightly herb/floral.
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11/7/2012 - Marc_Iadarola Likes this wine: 88 Points
Opened this on a whim and pretty quickly regretted it. You can tell there is some structure and potential there but this bottle was a bit of a one trick pony. It also wasn't as California pinot as I expected it to be. I'll reserve judgement for 3-4 more years until I open another one of these.
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11/5/2012 - dmaharaj wrote: 90 Points
- Crimsom color and aromas of raspberry, black currant and blackberry and has flavours of blackberry, raspberry and black currant.
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10/29/2012 - awise45 wrote: 93 Points
Ripe and rich, lots of strawberry and cherry flavors. Really smooth and a long finish.
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10/24/2012 - cookie7 wrote: 91 Points
Pop and pour - note after 90 minutes. Cherries and strawberry licorice on the nose. Fruits are a bit darker on the palate. Big tannins for a pinot - lots of concentration. Tight. This is a nice wine but will definitely benefit from another 2 or 3 years in the cellar. Upside potential.
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10/20/2012 - Phredd wrote: 90 Points
The darkest of the Pinot noirs we tried on this night, it is essentially opaque, with a base color of cherry red and a good deal of purpling. The nose is very spicy, almost Syrah-like, with a candy character not unlike Red Hots. The palate is sweet and monolithic, but also quite tannic and a touch on the hot side (14.5% ABV). The finish is medium length, but still a bit astringent. Overall, it is probably unfair to rate this now, as it just seems too young. I gave it a 90- in my notes, and would recommend sitting on this for at least another year or maybe two. If it integrates the way I think it will, it should be much improved.
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10/19/2012 - InflationHedge wrote: 88 Points
Good, but not impressive. Nice balance, but the fruit was subtle and finish was abrupt. Wait at least 6 mo before opening the next bottle.
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9/24/2012 - shapsplace wrote: 90 Points
Still quite young. Seemed underdeveloped, wait another year and try again
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9/19/2012 - eSchrag wrote: 90 Points
Still a bit young. Has some nice red berry fruit and a hint of earthiness. I think this will be a winner in 2 or 3 years. I like the continued restraint seen in the last few vintages. Not as big of a Pinot bomb as earlier vintages.
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9/19/2012 - Pinot Evil wrote: 89 Points
Drank last night so I don't have notes but this was a rather pedestrian pinot and while its quite good I can't say it was distinctive or that I have any lasting memory of the fruit or finish.
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9/15/2012 - dase13 wrote: 92 Points
Medium red in color. Scents of cherry and floral, slight herb/spice. Tastes of cherry, berry, and slightly herb/floral. Opened up more on second day.
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9/7/2012 - crsprout wrote: 89 Points
Cherry and a little cola, some oakiness on the nose. Light weight, mild fruit with some mineral and earth. Thin, but nice finish.
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9/2/2012 - vegasoenophile wrote: 95 Points
Dark, lush nose. Rich, layered, gorgeous red and black berry fruit. Complex and luscious. Elegantly structured. Truly remarkable wine.
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8/25/2012 - jeffal66 wrote: 92 Points
No notes but an easy cap to the evening. Classy, elegant. Probably not as good as past vintages but a damn worthy Pinot. Worth a half a hundred? Probably not but I didn't sweat it going down.
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8/24/2012 - cr8it wrote: 91 Points
Very nice after decanting and sitting for a couple of hours. Cherry and hints of oak. A bit thin, but with a bit more age will be excellent
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7/23/2012 - jfurey21 wrote: 89 Points
consistent with prior notes.
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7/21/2012 - Dtjohnson wrote: 90 Points
Very tight and only started opening up after 2 hours. Needs more time and should be decanted prior to next tasting.
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7/15/2012 - stewartsalien wrote: 90 Points
Big and meaty. Not quite as elegant as some of the prior vintages of Seasmoke. Finishes a bit sweet. On the whole, very good but I would love to see how it develops over time.
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7/11/2012 - Dave and Mo Cellar wrote: 88 Points
Very good, but will get better with time.
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7/9/2012 - tdh42 wrote: 89 Points
Getting better, but more time still needed. Don't think it will ever be superb, but still a solid PN
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7/5/2012 - brianngibson wrote: 90 Points
Cherries, a silky soft oakiness, minerals and earthiness. Nice finish.
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6/30/2012 - Joanmac wrote: 90 Points
Drank at Cork. 27th anniversary dinner of tasting menu. Very silky slightly unusual aftertaste for a Pinot but it opened up beautifully.
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6/29/2012 - sbtoby wrote: 89 Points
Typical Sea Smoke. Deep fruit, a little on the thin side in terms of thickness. Good, but not sure it's worth it at the price point.
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6/16/2012 - jtinto wrote: 90 Points
Big and bold. Cherries and more cherries. Nice acidity with no over extraction. After drinking over a span of 6 hours I'm holding out hope that it will improve with age. I kept thinking that the alcohol poked through a bit too much, and maybe this will integrate better with time. Drink next 2014-2015.
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6/2/2012 - bunkie wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for 3+ hours. Continued to open up in the glass. Simply delicious. Full-bodied, Tobacco flavored Pinot. Smooth.
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5/27/2012 - anzavistahome wrote:
After 2 hours of decanting we decided it still needed another 1+ hours in the glass. Then it finally opened up and showed itself. This is a big, full-bodied Pinot that can easily hold up to heavier foods.
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5/22/2012 - markellen.foodies@gmail.com wrote: 89 Points
Decanted in closed decanter for 4hrs. Disappointing, somewhat tart and thin. I don't understand why the 09 Santa Rita Hills Pinots, don't measure up to the Sonoma Coast vintage?
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5/21/2012 - NickyBull wrote: 94 Points
Wow, I really like this wine! All the elements of a great Pinot in this one, earthiness and minerality on the nose, great color, and the opulent fruit that one would expect in a California Pinot. It was even better on Day 2. I have another bottle of the 2009 in the cellar, will keep that one for a while, and look forward to the 2010's.
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5/19/2012 - cstir wrote: 89 Points
Similar to prior; has nice structure; modest complexity; tart dark cherry and cranberry; average finish.
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5/18/2012 - shaferguy91 wrote: 90 Points
Not bad but certainly nothing to crow about.
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5/13/2012 - Launchair wrote:
We had this Saturday MaY 12/12 to celebrate Cynthia's new job (turned out to be the 32nd anniversary of when I started with the Manitoba government (1980). We very much enjoyed this wine, went nicely with rib-eye steak, full bodied, lingering finish, with a bit of a bite. Definitely have again.
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5/12/2012 - Launchair wrote:
Outstanding (90-95), had with rib-eye steak; nice bouquet, rich & full bodied, lingering finish, nice tannic 'bite', definitely have again.
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5/3/2012 - ecola Likes this wine: 93 Points
Very subtle fruit with an earthy mushroom quality. Very long finish.
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4/18/2012 - MicklethePickle wrote:
Drunk with CHMIA dinner (all you can eat Dungenness crab) at Spyglass restaurant in Shell Beach, with a bunch of Sonoma investigators and DA. Only 70 bucks on the wine list. Pretty color. Nice cherry fruit in the nose. Good fruit on the palate, though on the lighter side of the flavor spectrum. Has earth and grip components, but seems lacking just a bit in stuffing. Having heard so much about Sea Smoke, I was a little disappointed with my very first bottle of this wine. 4-12-15-7: 88/100.
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4/16/2012 - Winodude1234 wrote: 90 Points
I was really expecting a spectacular Pinot. Not the case on this one. Probably too young and may need to sit for a couple of years. Chocolate on the nose. Will try again in a few years.
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4/15/2012 - Acohen wrote: 90 Points
Young and needs time to open. Tart cherry and cranberry with a medium finissh
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4/13/2012 - RLP805 wrote: 91 Points
PNP at "The Grill" in Westlake with a nice double cut pork chop. Cherry and bubble gum with a touch of wood on the nose. Fruit forward but in a good way with cherry and spices on the palate. A little heavy on alcohol especially on the pour but did mellow out some. Light on the tannins with a long finish. The wine was approachable but could probably use 6 months to year on it's side.
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4/7/2012 - DHutch wrote: 87 Points
Core red fruit but rather lean. Acidity slightly high without the depth making it not worth the price.
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4/7/2012 - SUN-J wrote: 89 Points
A touch lighter in color. Kool-aid like nose -- sweet, candied cherries but also a little plummy. Very lush on the palate with light acidity and moderate tannins. Enjoyable but there was a strange artificial quality to it. Would be good to try another one in a few years to see if there's any complexity that develops.
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4/4/2012 - VAD wrote: 91 Points
It is good, but too young. Will probably get much better in a few years.
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3/26/2012 - MattMauldin wrote:
Tasted at Los Olivos Tasting Room & Wine Shop. Aromas of crushed stone, ash and red fruit. The fruit on the palate was more plum than cherry. Additional dried herb and dried floral notes. Silky and fine with firm tannin and sweet fruit finishing notes that lingered. Could have been the setting and/or the poor stemware of the tasting venue, but the wine seemed tight and awkward. (no score)
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3/4/2012 - mmurry Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted about 2 1/2 hours. Cherry and forest floor on the nose, with hints of rose petals and spice. Great acidity on the palate. Sour cherry and damp earth flavors, with pepper on the mid-palate, and a nice floral finish
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2/26/2012 - rb415 Likes this wine: 90 Points
When initially opened was not impressed for first hour. Light nose of cherry and dark fruit, similar midpalate notes and no finish. After 1.5-2 hours the wine began to open up and was enjoyable as the midpalate began to evolve with deep dark fruits and finished with raspberry. Was decent but not as good as the 2008. I hope a couple years in the cellar will allow this wine to develop as previous vintages.
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2/21/2012 - tdh42 wrote: 87 Points
Meh. Time in the decanter helped, but I'm hoping a couple years is what this needs.
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2/12/2012 - jmull wrote: 92 Points
my first Sea Smoke, and I was expecting something in the full-blown Cali style of Kosta-Browne. That's not what this is. Rather, it's a restrained, elegant and feminine wine with pure fruit and fascinating nose that mixed varietal funk with a unique polymer note that, while it sounds weird, was not at all unpleasant. Really good. 92
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2/11/2012 - smorris291 wrote: 91 Points
Still pretty young. Not too extracted, but fairly bright fruit and good acidity. Maybe a touch more oak than I would prefer, but very enjoyable.
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2/10/2012 - jfurey21 wrote: 89 Points
Great color, light fruit and soft tannins. Opened up a little after an hour decant. Earthy nose and cherry notes. Disappointing. will not open the next bottle for 2 years.
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2/9/2012 - brianofthevine wrote: 87 Points
Tart red fruit but very bland, not much here, short finish. Hmmm...
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1/30/2012 - Blue Shorts wrote: 92 Points
Great pinot. Waaaaaay too young, but I wanted to try it anyway to see how the others will hold up. Nose of rasberries, oak and a touch of earth... not giving much right now. Taste is similar to the nose with a bit of strawberry. It has a very good acid level and the fruit is very fresh-tasting. Medium long, tannic finish. I'd wait two years or more before opening the next one.
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1/29/2012 - pkbackman wrote: 91 Points
Wound tight on a pop and pour. Let it sit for about an hour and a half and this started to shine. Bright fruit (cherry) is quite expressive, with mouth watering acidity.A really delicious wine
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1/28/2012 - christophee Likes this wine: 86 Points
Ruby with med-lite viscosity in the glass. Cherry, strawberry, wet earth and flowers on the nose. Secondary spice. Med-lite body and simple with young, muted red fruit and plum on the palate. Secondary spice. Stemmy, bordering on soapy, tannin. Medium finish. Became more soapy as it opened. Not serviceable at this time.
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1/19/2012 - jaxpaj wrote: 89 Points
Tart Cherry and cranberry dominate the wine. The nose is rustic with definite earth tones. Hopefully this will settle with some more time in the cellar, far from a Grand Cru.
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1/15/2012 - fdizzy wrote: 85 Points
very light overall. one-dimensional. barely detectable fruit. disappointing.
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1/7/2012 - Brady D Does not like this wine:
Very dark, but not opaque. Strong dark fruited nose, with a savory element, quite nice. Fell apart on the palate. Full bodied. Jammy and flabby. Where's the acid? Not sure I would nail it as Pinot if served blind. WTF - they put grand cru on the label. What a joke. B-
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1/3/2012 - PinotMaster wrote: 92 Points
Excellent nose. Bold fruit flavors with a smooth taste. sea smoke never disappoints.
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1/2/2012 - Wine Sparty wrote: 91 Points
Opened about an hour before drinking with chicken and asparagus. Aroma of black raspberry, strawberry and some earthiness. There is also a very slight hint of mocha in the nose as well. Tastes like the dark raspberry and plum as well, and is very smooth although it does have a bit of acidity that pops in.
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12/29/2011 - Wineson Likes this wine: 91 Points
A little sharp with a tannin finish on opening. However it got better after time in the glass. Pleasant taste of cherry. Finish got smoother by the end of the meal.
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12/29/2011 - briquette wrote: 93 Points
very nice, should get better with a little age. first bottle of sea smoke and was impressed. on to Ten.
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12/27/2011 - S1 wrote:
pop and pour at cellar temperature. Immediate mix of sweet and tart cherry with a little cranberry. No overt alcohol, but it's cold right now. As it warms the alcohol is more evident and some of the Sea Smoke icee/cotton candy. I still like the style--they have backed off on the extraction. Some smoky caramel, a little clove and a nice minty herbal note. HRH says, "pomegranate"--SCORE. I think it has really cool complexity but the alcohol is a little out of balance on the finish. Once you get past the alcohol, the finish goes long. Even with the balance issue, I wouldn't kick it out of the cellar.
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12/27/2011 - cstir wrote: 89 Points
A bit sharp and acidic on opening; balanced flavor with fruit forward red cherry early then darker red berry and slight sour cherry ending; modest finish.
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12/25/2011 - BiggE5252 wrote: 95 Points
Smell not as oaky
Fresh but not tight for young body
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12/25/2011 - sammy Likes this wine: 91 Points
Slightly sweet and mild orange and cherry nose, but also a bit sharp. Pallet is a bit dry, but has well balanced flavors with cherry, a hint of licorice, and forest pine.
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12/24/2011 - jefe-alto wrote: 92 Points
Delicious pinot. Fruity, but not too much. Too young, needs 2 more years to develop.
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12/17/2011 - cadamson wrote: 87 Points
Probably one of the better Southing's of the last few years. Nothing great, but well made. Moderately restrained cherry fruit dominates. Tasty, if somewhat one dimensional.
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12/16/2011 - crs223 wrote: 90 Points
Rope/wicker on the nose when it was first opened transitioning to Pete and dark fruit. This is a medium bodied wine with some spice that could be mistaken for something typically a little darker like a syrah. A hint of chalky candy (think valentines day candy) after an hour. Unfortunately I finished this wine with my friends about 70 minutes after opening it. We should have slowed down to see what else developed.
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12/10/2011 - xboomer wrote: 90 Points
Very good but a little to light
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12/9/2011 - fdizzy wrote: 81 Points
really light. doesn't have any particular bad flavors - just doesn't really have any discernible flavors
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12/9/2011 - DJSeiler wrote: 93 Points
Silky soft well balanced wine. Cherry and beautiful floral aroma on the nose. Ning cherry and a hint of strawberry. Paired well with appetizer before sushi. A crowd gave rate tonight.
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12/1/2011 - krhaugh wrote: 92 Points
From my first allocation with Sea Smoke. I was anxious to try this, knowing it was very young. Lot's of cherry and ripe red fruit. Soft and fresh. Really enjoyed this and it is drinking nicely right now and hope for it develop over the next few years.
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11/30/2011 - stonich wrote:
Very good. Round, earthy, cherries. Beautiful nose. Drinking well already. 92.
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11/27/2011 - PinotMaster wrote: 94 Points
Bold nose. Strong smells of blackberries. Let open for 30 minutes. Smooth fruitful wine.
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11/24/2011 - rjonwine@gmail.com wrote: 89 Points
Medium dark ruby color; incense, tart cherry nose; rich, incense, spicy, tart smoke cherry palate; needs 2-3 years; medium-plus finish
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11/24/2011 - hanratty21 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Opened for 30 minutes. Nice ruby color. Some rose petal and bright cherry on the nose. Nutmeg and pumpkin spice with light red fruit flavors. Nothing spectacular, but still very nice. I'll give it some more time.
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11/21/2011 - MusignyBlanc wrote: 90 Points
Tart and ripe cherry fruit; approachable, but will improve with age; quite delicious but not very complex.
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11/20/2011 - WDSteers wrote: 91 Points
cherry vanilla with some oak. young
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11/18/2011 - vanpe003 wrote: 91 Points
I was expecting something heavier, but as other reviewers have noted, this is not the heavy Cali fruit bomb. Way too young, but nicely balanced. Tart today, but shows a sense of precision. I think this will be better in 2-4 years, with the acids hopefully integrating over that time.
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11/17/2011 - sehill wrote: 88 Points
Opened and poured, this wine gave a good showing but did not provide any compelling elements. This seems forward and accessible with ample fruit and good balance. This drinks well now and hopefully some additional bottle age results in additional nuance and complexity.
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11/13/2011 - Mrbuzz Likes this wine: 91 Points
This was blinded to me in what was thought to be a Grand Cru(Burgundy) tasting......I thought young(2008?Vosne Romanee?), candied raspberry/cherry fruit....but didn't waiver thinking it wasn't a Burg. It had a good amount of mineralness to it.....as well as a good dose of vanilla oak, and dusty cherry spice. It was really ripe in fruit, so chalked it up as young burg. As the night went on....the sweetness came out, as well as caramel, and some dr pepper, forest floor......really well balanced to the sweeter side. All in all...I liked this! More restrained than previous SS...but don't kid yourself....this is NO Grand Cru!
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11/11/2011 - BigShlo wrote: 91 Points
Agree with the other poster (2009 Ten review) re: limited experience with Sea Smoke, their reputation, "fruit bomb" style, etc. Also agree that the wine was more Burgundian. And I, too, was impressed. Quite tight, opened nicely after 4 hours. Sour and thin initial pop-and-pour replaced by round, strawberry, slight mineral and pie spice. Nice mouthfeel, fresh acid, good integration from front of mouth to mid-palate to finish. Finish quite enjoyable, reasonably long, and balanced throughout. Very excited by the potential and more excited that it wasn't what I expected. Much, much better in my opinion that SLH Pinot styles I've had too much of recently.
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