2006 Sea Smoke Pinot Noir Ten (Central Coast, Santa Rita Hills)

Dark ruby red color. The nose gives off hints of sassafras and rose petals Ripe red cherry flavors lead the way in the mouth with notes of strawberry, loam and white pepper. The finish is medium length with well integrated tannins hanging on all the way through. Well balanced for a medium to full bodied Pinot Nior. Excellent but expensive for most ($80). It will be interesting to see how the change of winemakers from Kris Curran to Don Schroeder affects the house style of these wines. The Santa Rita Hills (along with the Russian River Valley) produces some of the best Pinot Nior fruit in the state of California.