2003 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing

The deep ruby-colored 2003 Pinot Noir Southing exhibits a complex bouquet of damp earth, underbrush, and sweet, smoky cherries in addition to a medium to full-bodied, velvety-textured palate, outstanding purity, impressive persistence, and a long, concentrated finish. It benefits significantly from 30-60 minutes of airing. In fact, my score rose with each ten minute interval, a very positive sign. This 2003 Pinot should drink well for 5-7 years. This wine was bottled about six weeks before I tasted it, which is usually a difficult period for many wines, even those bottled naturally. In any event, this up-and-coming Santa Barbara County producer demonstrates considerable potential. Tel. (805) 737-1600

(tasted from tank, just prior to bottling) Red-ruby. Strawberry, raspberry and nutty oak on the nose. Quite firm and dry in the mouth, with darker fruit flavors and more shape and grip than the Botella. Finishes oakier and longer, with firm tannins. This was aged in 60% new oak, vs. 45% for the Botella.