Sea Smoke Cellars Ten Pinot Noir 2020

Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, Central Coast, California

Winemaker Notes

Hand-harvested, clusters were sorted in the vineyard and then gently destemmed following an evening in our cold room. All ‘jack stems’ were removed on the sorting table. Musts were cold soaked in open-top fermenters for five days, and then inoculated with cultured yeasts to begin slow fermentation. Each tank was manually punched down two times per day, with a total maceration time of sixteen to twenty-eight days. Upon completion of primary fermentation and maceration, all free run wine was transferred to tank for settling, and then pressed at extremely low pressure (0.08 bars) to avoid extracting bitterness. After settling overnight both free-run and press wines were racked to barrels. Ten was bottled with no fining and no filtration.

A brooding and intense wine. The aromas begin with notes of black tea, blackberry and orange rind, then a myriad of savory spices, and a hint of jasmine. Firm, mature tannins—evidence of Ten’s ageability—are followed by a long, velvety finish.

Food Pairing 

Pairs well with braised short ribs, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom dishes, and aged cheeses like Comté and Manchego.

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