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| Drinking Windows and Values |
| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 90.7 pts. and median of 91 pts. in 63 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by EyeDoc on 11/3/2023 & rated 92 points: This is definitely mature - starting to have some oxidation notes and loss of mousse. Enjoyable and struts its pinot noir backbone with solid mouthfeel. I would definitely drink now since its not going anywhere. (299 views) | | | Tasted by AJCowen on 3/26/2023 & rated 96 points: Best American sparkling wine I’ve ever had. Brut, delicious, tart apple, brioche, minerals. Stuff is nowhere near end of life. Have one more bottle. (1015 views) | | | Tasted by jonvayn on 8/23/2020 & rated 90 points: That's my 5th/6 bottle and it completely changed over the past years. It lost part its bubbles and starts to oxydized but not on the negative way. It developed a real vinous character (making more appropriate with richer food) with some cooked stone fruits. It still like the minerallity/salty elements of the wines. However I will finish my last bottle soon as it is in a good spot now if you enjoy aged sparkling but I think it starts to lose freshness and doesn't have the acidity backbone to age much longer. (2393 views) | | | Tasted by grapenomad on 7/23/2020 & rated 84 points: Sadly past its prime. Popped and poured. Showing full development on the nose, with slight hints of oxidation. Palate is rich and concentrated, but the acidity is dying down, so there is nothing to back it up unfortunately. Drink up if you have this in the cellar. (2590 views) | | | Tasted by 32lakeviewwine on 11/1/2019 & rated 91 points: Lively bubbles but became increasingly oxidized over an hour. Still nice flavor but in need of food at that point.
Note: Not RD (2970 views) | | | Tasted by wconnolly on 12/31/2018 & rated 89 points: Slightly better bottle than the last. Pale blush hue. Hints of strawberry on the palate with a yeasty finish. Better bubbles than the last bottle. (3241 views) | | | Tasted by wconnolly on 12/14/2018 & rated 88 points: Beautiful blush color. Light notes of strawberry. Tight, small bubbles but seemed to have lost some of its fizz. (2650 views) | | | Tasted by blgros on 7/1/2018 & rated 91 points: Delicate. Beautiful strawberry hints. Fine bubbles. Lighter style (2458 views) | | | Tasted by wconnolly on 4/22/2018 & rated 89 points: Consistent with 12/31/15 notes. See link embedded
https://www.cellartracker.com/note.asp?iWine=2256712&iNote=5425496&searchId=B739FC01 (2516 views) | | | Tasted by Christoffer78 on 1/13/2018 & rated 92 points: Just as during the last tasting, this wine was and still is a total surpruse... At first sniff it completely fools me and I start guessing on vintage Bollinger or an "off" bottle of Krug GC, but when tasting there is no doubt this is not a Champagne. There is a fruit component which just speaks up a little too much for a Champagne. There is also a buttery, fudgy tone most likely a result of the oak treatment. After another sniff, the nose offers up beautiful deep minerals, oysters, roasted lemon zest and newly baked sweet brioche. This certainly is the best nose I have ever come across in a Sparkliung... The palate is rather refreshing and crisp, but also has a nice balance. The length on the finish lasts for some 40-45+ seconds and adds that ifnal "oohmpf" to the wine. For a Sparkkling, very close to a sensational experience! (2203 views) | | | Tasted by Deadhead on 12/24/2017 & rated 88 points: Not bad, but way too expensive! (1918 views) | | | Tasted by Medwards128 on 11/25/2017: Excellent! (2308 views) | | | Tasted by knorthrip on 10/14/2017 & rated 89 points: Enjoyable but poor QPR. (2103 views) | | | Tasted by ews3 on 5/5/2017 & rated 89 points: tasted at large walkaround tasting. this is light and refreshing with nice strawberry and melon flavors. does not have the depth of flavor of a champagne or premium new world bubbly -- vastly overpriced, but i'll happily drink yours. (2616 views) | | | Tasted by SCosgrove on 1/2/2017 & rated 91 points: Good, well constructed, pinot noir sparkling wine. (3118 views) | | | Tasted by docjavadude on 1/1/2017 & rated 93 points: The numerical rating does not capture the spirit of this wine. Full of life -- bright strawberry, citrus, and toasty biscuits on the nose with very balanced flavors on a distinctive Pinot foundation - crisp fruit, red berries, and toasty notes. Overall it was a bit tight with bright acidity, but the medium-size bubbles and their yeasty delights made for a wonderful bottle of wine with which to welcome in the new year! (3129 views) | | | Tasted by Tamu1956 on 12/26/2016 & rated 92 points: Fantastic bubbly, almost rose in the glass and very effervescent. Light fruity nose with a sweet crisp taste and wonderful finish. (2658 views) | | | Tasted by Christoffer78 on 10/29/2016 & rated 92 points: Just lovely and totally mind boggling, to say the least this 012 Sea Spray was a total surprise. At first it sniff it resembles a Champagne which has been disgorged very late. There is actually a rather striking resemblance to an "off vintage" Bollinger R.D., but when tasting the length on the finish tells me this cannot be a Bollinger. There is also a buttery, fudgy tone most likely a result of the oak treatment, which is another clue on the origin of this effort not being in France. Still, the first impressions of fresh oyster, lovely oven roasted lemon zest and sweet honey brioche topped with whipped smetana is just magnificent. The palate adds to the overall experience with fresh and rather crisp fruit as well as a lovely balance between all components. The colour is worth mentioning as it is somewhat off pink - not pink but certainly not clear either and certainly more pink than your average BdN... The length on the finish lasts for some 40+ seconds and is actually quite infused by the butter and fudge like tones mentioned above. A lovely experience and a true example of very skilful winemaking, this effort certainly deserves some merit. (score is 92+) (2818 views) | | | Tasted by BuzzzzOff on 5/24/2016 & rated 90 points: We opened as an experiment with our wine-loving Italian friend. Oh My Ears and Whiskers, he became a devout follower within the first sip. Admittedly a strong Pinot Noir, yet elegant, bubble. We often wonder when Sea Smoke might go for a blend or event a blanc de blancs? The wine evens out after some time with the air, demonstrates some nuttiness and brioche, maintains broad shoulders and really works well with just about anything you put on the table. Excellent! A touch pricey...but... (2935 views) | | | Tasted by Bruce 1er on 4/15/2016 & rated 94 points: Very light and ethereal on the palette -- the fruit and acid are all so harmonious that it makes for a very elegant sparkling wine. Even though it is a no dosage, the acid is kept in check. Very well made. (1282 views) | | | Tasted by Wink on 2/8/2016 & rated 88 points: drinkable. not great. (2371 views) | | | Tasted by adipovino on 1/1/2016 & rated 88 points: OK, but hard to justify the price. I agree with the previous reviewer who said Billecart Rose was a much better option for the money. (2176 views) | | | Tasted by wconnolly on 12/31/2015 & rated 89 points: Consistent with earlier notes, this opens with light strawberry and cherry on thepalate with a bit of toast on the finish. What was interesting is that we drank side by side with the newly arrived Sea Spray 2012 Late Disgorged. Surprisingly there was a noticeable difference with the LD showing more polish and complexity. The LD was drier for a start and had an additional yeasty layer that I believe, created the polish. The LD was definitely my preferred style and I was quite surprised by the difference. (2254 views) | | | Tasted by DBunk on 12/25/2015 & rated 86 points: No real effervescent snap. Almost a little flat. Ripe strawberry. One dimensional and knew awhile ago this was not $80 bottle worthy. Last of my bottles and glad to have the cellar space back. Billecart-Salmon Rose at 70-75 is the play here. Pass going forward. (1931 views) | | | Tasted by ProfBainbridge on 11/14/2015 & rated 91 points: A lovely salmon blush color with tons of very fine bubbles. Nice nose of strawberries, citrus, and toast. The palate follows and adds a dash of flint. Will improve. (2097 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Richard Jennings
RJonWine.com (12/1/2014)
(Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Sea Spray Blanc de Noirs) Light orange pink color with abundant, steady, tiny bubbles; aromatic, appealing, tart orange, yeasty, lemon, almond, saline nose; firm, creamy textured, delicious, yeasty, tart orange, mineral, almond palate with vibrant acidity; medium-plus finish (12% alcohol) 92+ points 92 points |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of RJonWine.com. (manage subscription channels) |
| Sea Smoke Producer website.
At Sea Smoke we believe that the vineyard is the wine. For this reason, we produce Pinot Noir grown exclusively on our estate vineyard in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, California. We focus on the meticulous management of each vine to achieve ideal vine balance and very low yields, while incorporating sustainable, environmentally sound farming practices. Each of our ten clones of Pinot Noir is hand harvested, and individual vineyard block/clone combinations are kept in separate lots throughout the winemaking process, enabling us to develop an intimate knowledge of the way Sea Smoke vineyard expresses itself. These individual lots form the basis of a complex flavor palette from which final blending decisions are made. This results in wines of exceptional complexity and grace - each one, we believe, a reflection of the unique terroir of our estate vineyard. We hope you agree, and we welcome your comments.
Pinot Noir Varietal character (Appellation America) | Varietal article (Wikipedia)
Pinot Noir is the Noble red grape of Burgundy, capable of ripening in a cooler climate, which Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot will not reliably do. It is unpredictable and difficult both to grow and to vinify, but results in some of the finest reds in the world. It is believed to have been selected from wild vines two thousand years ago. It is also used in the production of champagne. In fact, more Pinot Noir goes into Champagne than is used in all of the Cote d'Or! It is also grown in Alsace, Jura, Germany, the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Romania, Switzerland, Austria, Croatia, Serbia, Italy, and so forth, with varying degrees of success.
Pinot Noir is one of the world's most prestigious grapes. It is very difficult to grow and thrives well in France, especially in Champagne and Burgundy. Pinot Noir thrives less in hot areas, is picky on soil, and deserves some oak storage.
Pinot Noir, or Blauburgunder / Spätburgunder in German, is a blue grapevine - and, as the German name suggests, the grape comes originally from Burgundy in France.
The grape, which thrives in calcareous soils, is used primarily for the production of red wine, and it is widely regarded as producing some of the best wines in the world. The wine style is often medium-bodied with high fruit acidity and soft tannins. It can be quite peculiar in fragrance and taste, and not least in structure - which may be why it is referred to as "The Grapes Ballerina".
Pinot Noir is also an important ingredient in sparkling wines, not least in champagne since it is fruity, has good acidity and contains relatively little tannins.
The grape is considered quite demanding to grow. The class itself consists of tightly packed grapes, which makes it more sensitive to rot and other diseases.
Pinot Noir changes quite easily and is genetically unstable. It buds and matures early which results in it often being well ripened. Climate is important for this type of grape. It likes best in cool climates - in warm climates the wines can be relaxed and slightly pickled.
In cooler climates, the wine can get a hint of cabbage and wet leaves, while in slightly warmer regions we often find notes of red berries (cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants), roses and slightly green notes when the wine is young. With age, more complex aromas of forest floor, fungi and meat emerge.
In Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, it often produces light wines with less character. However, it has produced very good results in California, Oregon and New Zealand.
With its soft tannins and delicate aroma, it is excellent for white fish, chicken and light meat. For the stored wines you can serve small game. Classic duck breast is a matter of course, a Boeuf Burgundy and Pinot Noir are pure happiness.
Pinot Noir loses quality by over-harvesting.
Pinot Noir is prone to diseases, especially rot and mildew. Viruses cause major problems especially in Burgundy.
Pinot Noir are large round grapes with thin skins. Relatively high in alcohol content. Medium rich tannins and good with acid.
As a young person, Pinot Noir has a distinctly fruity character such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries.
A mature Pinot Noir, the taste is different. Cherry goes into plum and prune flavors. It smells of rotten leaves, coffee, moist forest floor and animal wine. This must be experienced.
In warm climates you find boiled plum, some rustic, little acid.
If the grapes are over-grown, the wine will be thin, with little color and flavor.USAAmerican wine has been produced since the 1500s, with the first widespread production beginning in New Mexico in 1628. Today, wine production is undertaken in all fifty states, with California producing 84% of all U.S. wine. The continent of North America is home to several native species of grape, including Vitis labrusca, Vitis riparia, Vitis rotundifolia, and Vitis vulpina, but the wine-making industry is based almost entirely on the cultivation of the European Vitis vinifera, which was introduced by European settlers. With more than 1,100,000 acres (4,500 km2) under vine, the United States is the fourth-largest wine producing country in the world, after Italy, Spain, and France.California2021 vintage: "Unlike almost all other areas of the state, the Russian River Valley had higher than normal crops in 2021, which has made for a wine of greater generosity and fruit forwardness than some of its stablemates." - Morgan Twain-Peterson Central Coasthttp://www.ccwinegrowers.org/links.html
http://www.discovercaliforniawines.com/regional-wine-organizations/
http://beveragetradenetwork.com/en/btn-academy/list-of-winegrowers-association-in-central-coast-california-274.htm
Central Coast AVA Wikipedia |
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