Sea Smoke Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2023

This elegant Chardonnay opens with vibrant aromas of lemon curd, star fruit, and fresh cut peach, accented by hints of honeydew melon, pineapple, and wet stone. The palate is focused and lively, with layers of satsuma mandarin, Saturn peach, and subtle hazelnut unfolding over a core of cool-climate acidity. A precise, mineral-driven finish lends structure and finesse, reflecting the character of Sea Smoke’s coastal vineyard site.

Sea Smoke Estate Vineyard occupies a singular position within one of the rare east-west coastal mountain ranges in North America. Unlike the typical north-south orientation of western mountain systems, the transverse range of California creates a unique geographic corridor. Through it, the Santa Ynez River canyon channels cool Pacific air inland each afternoon, delivering a daily wave of marine fog that rolls over the Sta. Rita Hills—an essential ingredient in the character of our wines.

Our estate vineyard is perched on south-facing hillside bluffs, ranging from 350 to 750 feet in elevation. These blocks receive generous sunlight, crucial for flavor and tannins development, yet the afternoon fog provides critical balance—slowing ripening, enhancing phenolic complexity, and preserving the vibrant acidity that defines Sea Smoke’s style.