SEA SMOKE CHARDONNAY 2022

SEA SMOKE CHARDONNAY 2022 – Sta. Rita Hills

Cult California Chardonnay | Rich, Mineral, and Exceptionally Refined

Region: Sta. Rita Hills AVA, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Producer: Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard
Style: Rich, layered, coastal, and beautifully age-worthy

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Highly expressive and captivating, with aromas of Meyer lemon, green apple, pear, kiwi, honeyed stone fruit, citrus blossom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and subtle toasted oak. Layers of sea-spray minerality and delicate spice reflect the cool Pacific influence that defines the Sta. Rita Hills.

Palate:
Rich and beautifully textured, revealing flavours of brûléed apple, ripe pear, confit lemon, golden mango, honeyed orchard fruit, citrus zest, and subtle baking spice. The wine possesses remarkable concentration yet remains vibrant and energetic, balancing California generosity with Burgundian precision.

Structure:
Medium to full-bodied with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and remarkable tension. The 2022 vintage displays a beautiful interplay between richness and restraint, with a backbone of crystalline acidity and saline minerality that keeps the wine fresh and focused. Sea Smoke's unique vineyard location benefits from cooling Pacific fog and maritime winds, allowing for extended ripening while preserving freshness and elegance.

Finish:
Long, layered, and beautifully persistent, lingering with notes of citrus, honeysuckle, toasted almond, stone fruit, and salty mineral freshness. Powerful yet remarkably poised.

In Summary

Sea Smoke Chardonnay 2022 is one of California's most sought-after Chardonnays, produced in extremely limited quantities from the renowned Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills. While the estate is best known for its cult Pinot Noirs, its Chardonnay has quietly become one of the benchmark white wines of California.

The cool-climate conditions of the Sta. Rita Hills—where Pacific fog and ocean winds funnel through east-west mountain ranges—create ideal conditions for Chardonnay, producing wines of remarkable intensity, freshness, and minerality. The 2022 vintage is particularly compelling, combining rich fruit, saline complexity, and vibrant acidity in a style that many critics compare to top white Burgundy while remaining distinctly Californian.

This is a Chardonnay that delivers immediate pleasure while possessing the structure and balance to evolve beautifully in the cellar.

Vintage Notes

The 2022 vintage produced a Chardonnay of exceptional concentration and balance. Rich, cool-toned fruit, bright acidity, and remarkable precision define the wine, showcasing the unique terroir of the Sea Smoke estate. The vintage combines power and intensity with the purity, lift, and ageing potential that have made Sea Smoke one of California's most revered producers.

Drinking Window

Now: Outstanding with 30–45 minutes of aeration
Peak: 2025–2034+
Cellaring: Excellent ageing potential for a premium California Chardonnay.

Food Pairing

• Butter-poached lobster
• Seared scallops
• Roasted halibut
• Crab cakes
• Truffle risotto
• Roast chicken with herbs
• Triple-cream cheeses

Sea Smoke Chardonnay 2022 is a magnificent expression of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay—combining richness, minerality, precision, and coastal freshness in one of California's most collectible and compelling white wines.