Bid on this bottle of 2012 Sea Smoke "Southing" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (93WE, 92RP). Wine Enthusiast: "Named after the famed vineyard’s south-facing slopes, this vintage is expertly crafted, with aromas of ripe red cherry, sandalwood, black pepper, graphite, purple flowers and damp pine needles. It’s complex, with dark red fruit and tickling cardamom spice set against fine-grained tannins. Quite precise and tight now, the violet and rose petal elements will expand beautifully with time, so drink 2019–2025. *Cellar Selection* (MK)" (04/2015)
This lot contains the following items:
2012 Sea Smoke "Southing" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir (qty: 1)
Named after the famed vineyard’s south-facing slopes, this vintage is expertly crafted, with aromas of ripe red cherry, sandalwood, black pepper, graphite, purple flowers and damp pine needles. It’s complex, with dark red fruit and tickling cardamom spice set against fine-grained tannins. Quite precise and tight now, the violet and rose petal elements will expand beautifully with time, so drink 2019–2025. *Cellar Selection* (MK)
The more supple, elegant and silky Pinot Noir of the two releases, the 2012 Pinot Noir Southing was completely destemmed, saw a 3-5 day cold soak, fermented in stainless steel and then aged 16 months in 55% new French oak, with no racking. It offers terrific notes of black raspberries, cassis, subtle oak and a touch of rose petal to go with a medium-bodied, silky, elegant, yet still textured and sexy profile on the palate. Just a joy to drink, it will nevertheless evolve gracefully on its balance. (JD)