It’s a very different expression of Pinot Noir here in the Santa Rita Hills at the western end of Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast. The sea fog, or marine layer, rolls in along the canyon and keeps it cool enough to make Pinot possible this far south. Video Games CEO and Burgundy nut Bob Davids wanted to make his own Pinot Noir (and a little Chardonnay) and had his heart set on a south-facing strip in the canyon overlooking the Santa Ynez River. The bean farming owner didn’t want to sell but, after a long and concerted campaign, was made an offer he couldn’t turn down. So in 1999, with winemaker Victor Gallegos onboard, Sea Smoke was born. They produce four wines; a tiny amount of Chardonnay and three Pinots. The Southing, Ten (which is made from their best ten barrels) and One (which is their single best barrel).
