Sea Smoke Southing Pinot Noir 2021

Intensely ripe but pristine black cherry and plum notes are kissed with glimmers of brandy and cigar leaf in this concentrated yet brightly composed Pinot Noir. It's a powerful, gorgeously juicy mouthful with a heft and unctuousness that's pleasing, but sharply balanced too, taut with a quivering vein of cranberry acidity and layers of stone and earth that unfurl on the palate. Tannins are fine but persistent. It's delightful in youth but should improve for the next decade and hold longer still.

This wine borders on being too exuberant and juicy, so exemplary it is as a pure expression of fruit. Aromas of cherry, violet and hibiscus lure the nose deeply into the glass. The palate goes even more jubilant with candied strawberry and Bing cherry flavors, with hints of mace and star anise that press all the hedonism buttons.