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Few names in California wine spark instant admiration like Sea Smoke. Perched high above the Santa Ynez River on the cool, fog-kissed slopes of the Sta. Rita Hills, this cult estate has become the gold standard — the bottle collectors' dream of owning and the benchmark for balance, depth, and luxury in American Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Its estate vineyard, set on sunny, south-facing slopes cooled each afternoon by a layer of Pacific fog aptly named “sea smoke,” offers one of the most ideal microclimates in the world for Burgundian grapes. The result? Grapes that ripen slowly, developing bold flavors, vibrant acidity, and silky-smooth tannins.

Sea Smoke’s legacy owes much to its visionary founder, Bob Davids, and the exceptional talents of winemaker Don Schroeder. Bob Davids, who established the estate in 1999, envisioned creating world-class Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara’s Santa Rita Hills, and his dream has become a reality. Don Schroeder, formerly of Ampelos Cellars, has taken the helm, crafting wines with meticulous care. Together, their dedication and expertise have cemented Sea Smoke as a name that defines excellence.

Since its very first vintage in 2001, Sea Smoke has earned a place on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list and the hearts of critics and collectors alike.

Experience the complete 2023 Sea Smoke Trio — a collector’s 3-pack showcasing the estate’s rare mastery across Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The 2023 vintage was nothing short of extraordinary. According to Vinous Media, “2023 Pinot Noirs are the platonic ideal of balance,” while “Chardonnays are tightly coiled and extremely expressive.” Jeb Dunnuck adds, “2023 stands among the great vintages of the region,” noting that Santa Barbara County produced “a treasure trove of world-class Pinot Noir” and “clearly outstanding Chardonnay.”

This 3-pack captures the essence of Santa Barbara’s golden moment — wines that combine elegance, complexity, and unmistakable site expression.

Each bottle is handcrafted from organically farmed estate vines, aged meticulously in French oak, and produced in limited quantities that disappear almost instantly upon release.

2023 Sea Smoke Chardonnay Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills

Golden-hued and richly textured, this Chardonnay balances citrus blossom and toasted hazelnut with a saline, mineral spine. This is an elegant chardonnay with a focused mid-palate and the refreshing cool climate acidity characteristic of Sea Smoke Vineyard.

This Chardonnay fruit was picked and hand-sorted in the vineyard before spending the night in our cold room. Chilled grapes were softly pressed, and the juice was gently pumped into a stainless steel tank and cold settled. Once the heavy solids were removed, the juice was racked to a stainless steel fermenter, then inoculated for primary fermentation.

This wine was aged for a total of 10 months before bottling with no fining and no filtration.

2023 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills

Southing refers to the south-facing hillside bluffs found on our estate vineyard.  Each year, the goal for this wine is to create the ideal marriage of complexity and elegance. 

Southing is a true expression of the terroir of Sea Smoke Vineyard:  seductive flavors and fine tannins complemented by cool climate acidity.

Aromas of cherry compote, rose petal, and spice drift into a long, silken finish. Southing is Sea Smoke’s signature statement of finesse and balance.

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.

2023 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills

Ten is named for the ten Pinot Noir clones found on the estate vineyard. The most masculine wine, it is brooding and intense, with firm, mature tannins and a long, velvety finish.

Ten is not for the faint of heart and has been known, on occasion, to convert even the most fanatic Cabernet lover.

The boldest and darkest of the lineup — brimming with blackberry, cocoa, and forest floor notes. Plush, structured, and endlessly complex, “Ten” is the collector’s favorite vintage after vintage.

• 2023 Sea Smoke Chardonnay Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills (95 pts)
• 2023 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Southing Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills
• 2023 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard Santa Rita Hills
  

The 2023 Sea Smoke Chardonnay is vibrant and resonant, a superb New World expression of Sta. Rita Hills. Ripe stone fruit, white flowers, and baking spices saturate the palate in plush, velvety textures. Concentrated and powerful, yet harmonious and complete, the 2023 is a gorgeous wine of depth and presence. ~ 95 Vinous Media

“2023 Pinot Noirs Are the Platonic Ideal of Balance” ~ Vinous Media

“2023 Stands Among the Great Vintages of the Region” ~ Jeb Dunnuck

"Chardonnays are Tightly Coiled and Extremely Expressive" ~Vinous Media

Substitutions of featured wines may be made at BHW's discretion.