2012, Sea Smoke Sea Spray Blanc De Noirs, Sparkling Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, 12% Alc, CT90, WE92, TW95

90 points Wine Enthusiast

The slightest hint of pale pink-orange in the glass, this late disgorged sparkler shows steel, lightly chilled dough yeast, lemon chiffon, crisp nectarine and an alkaline element on the nose. Mandarin orange peel, iodine and grapefruit pith slice through the palate, which is rounded by touches of melon and bubblegum flavors.

Winemaking:

Hand harvested in late August of 2012, the Pinot Noir for this methode champenoise sparkling wine is the result of a careful cluster selection from Sea Smoke’s estate vineyard. The grapes were gently pressed following an evening in our cold room, then transferred to stainless tanks to begin a long, cool fermentation, which was completed in once-used and neutral French oak barrels. Following nine months of sur lie aging in barrel, the wine was bottle aged an additional 24 months en tirage prior to disgorging. The wine was finished with no dosage, to preserve its finesse. Character: The nuanced nose expresses lilies, fresh pastries and green fig. The wine enters the palate with energetic freshness with delightful length.