{"title":"Smoke Tree","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"smoke-tree-chardonnay","title":"Smoke Tree Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmoke Tree Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Chardonnay from Sonoma County, California, bottled at approximately 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Sourced from cool-climate vineyards across Carneros, the Alexander Valley hillsides, and the Fountaingrove District, this wine earned 87 points from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e for its 2016 vintage, reviewed by Virginie Boone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~13.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma County, California, USA  |  Varietal: 100% Chardonnay  |  Winemaker: Anne Dempsey\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmoke Tree takes a non-interventionist approach to winemaking under the direction of winemaker Anne Dempsey. Fermentation relies primarily on native yeasts and proceeds slowly at cool temperatures, preserving delicate fruit character. The wine sees minimal extraction and aging in neutral oak, allowing Sonoma County terroir—particularly the cool micro-climates of Carneros and the elevated sites of Alexander Valley—to define the final blend rather than heavy-handed barrel influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e A subtle whiff of matchstick gives way to fragrant white flowers and ripe pear. Hints of green apple and a thread of minerality emerge as the wine opens in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is soft and fruit-forward, with fleshy peach and pear flavors leading the way. At mid-palate, creamy vanilla oak surfaces gently without dominating, and a saline, mineral quality adds dimension. The overall mouthfeel is lush yet restrained, landing on the lighter side of a dry Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length, tapering with a flinty, slightly mineral edge. A quiet touch of oak lingers alongside crisp pear and a hint of citrus pith.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Smoke Tree Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Chardonnay drinks well slightly chilled, around 50–55°F, where its floral aromatics and fruit profile are most expressive. It is versatile enough for cocktail use as well. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a lemon twist plays to its light body. A \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75 variation\u003c\/strong\u003e substituting Chardonnay for Champagne highlights the wine's creamy pear notes alongside gin and lemon. A \u003cstrong\u003eSangria Blanca\u003c\/strong\u003e built on this wine benefits from its apple and stone fruit character, pairing naturally with sliced peach and fresh herbs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners featuring roasted chicken or light pasta dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer gatherings where a refreshing, food-friendly white is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing a friend to Sonoma County Chardonnay beyond heavy, oaky styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a mixed case of California whites across different regions and approaches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Smoke Tree Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree Chardonnay delivers fleshy peach and pear flavors with a creamy mid-palate of restrained vanilla oak, finishing with a flinty, mineral edge. It sits on the lighter, more elegant side of California Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Smoke Tree Chardonnay compare to La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are Sonoma County Chardonnays, but Smoke Tree uses neutral oak and native fermentation for a leaner, more mineral-driven profile. La Crema Sonoma Coast generally shows more prominent oak and butter character due to its barrel program.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smoke Tree Chardonnay good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balanced acidity, gentle oak, and fresh fruit make it an easy-drinking white that works well chilled on its own without food.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Smoke Tree Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree Chardonnay is produced in Sonoma County, California, with fruit sourced from cool-climate sites in the Carneros, Alexander Valley, and Fountaingrove District appellations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Smoke Tree Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted chicken with herbs complements the wine's creamy body. Grilled shrimp or seared scallops match its delicate fruit, while a pear and aged Gruyère salad echoes its core flavors. Mild fish tacos with a citrus slaw work well alongside the wine's bright acidity, and soft-ripened cheeses like Brie highlight its lush mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Smoke Tree Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree Chardonnay is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smoke Tree Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree positions as an accessible, everyday Sonoma County Chardonnay that delivers a non-interventionist winemaking approach typically found at higher price points, making it a solid value within California Chardonnay.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Smoke Tree Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this wine from the crowded field of California Chardonnay is its commitment to restraint. Native-yeast fermentation and neutral oak aging let the Sonoma County fruit speak clearly, resulting in a wine that tastes of place rather than winemaking technique. Multi-vineyard sourcing from Carneros, Alexander Valley, and Fountaingrove brings complexity that single-source wines at this tier rarely achieve. For drinkers looking to move beyond heavily oaked styles without sacrificing body or richness, Smoke Tree occupies a genuinely useful middle ground.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smoke Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837582799017,"sku":"28422","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Smoke_Tree_Chardonnay__32101.jpg?v=1730487200"},{"product_id":"smoke-tree-pinot-noir","title":"Smoke Tree Pinot Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSmoke Tree Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma Coast, California, bottled at 13.5% ABV in 750ml format. Backed by the resources of Moët Hennessy and shaped by winemaker Joel Burt, this wine draws from eleven vineyard partners and up to five different clones to achieve an elegant, restrained expression of Sonoma Coast terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California  |  100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Smoke Tree Wines (Moët Hennessy)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSmoke Tree Wines operates under the Moët Hennessy portfolio, giving winemaker Joel Burt access to a wide network of premium Sonoma Coast vineyards. The fruit comes from mature vines averaging 20 years old, primarily Dijon clones planted at high density during the 1990s. Fermentation takes place in open-top fermenters with 10% whole clusters and predominantly native yeast, proceeding long and cool to preserve varietal character. The wine then ages for 12 months in French oak barrels, with just 15% new oak — enough to add structure without overpowering the fruit. This multi-clone, multi-vineyard sourcing strategy is the core of what separates Smoke Tree from single-vineyard or single-clone Pinots in the same price range.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red plum and raspberry lead, followed by deeper notes of black cherry and Santa Rosa plum. A subtle layer of forest floor, licorice, and a distinct hint of smoke round out the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy, with loads of dark cherry and plum meeting mid-palate notes of cola and allspice. A silky, well-framed texture carries the fruit through to a secondary wave of strawberry and a faint rusticity that adds intrigue. The 12 months of French oak provide vanilla undertones without dominating.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean and moderate in length, with lingering cherry and a touch of leather. The restraint here is the hallmark — nothing overripe or extracted, just a polished close.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Smoke Tree\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe slightly below room temperature, around 58–62°F, to let the aromatics open fully. This Pinot drinks beautifully on its own with no need for heavy intervention. A classic \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Smash\u003c\/strong\u003e works well here, as the wine's natural berry character complements muddled blackberries and a splash of lemon. A \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e (red wine and cola) leans into the cola note already present on the palate. For a lighter warm-weather option, a \u003cstrong\u003ewine spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water preserves the wine's fruit-forward freshness without losing its earthy backbone.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners where you want a reliable, food-friendly Pinot Noir\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to Sonoma Coast wines without overwhelming them\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHosting a casual wine-tasting flight comparing California Pinot styles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine drinker who appreciates restraint over fruit-bomb intensity\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Smoke Tree Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree delivers juicy dark cherry and plum with supporting notes of cola, allspice, and a touch of earthiness. The palate is silky with moderate weight, finishing clean with hints of leather and vanilla from French oak aging.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Smoke Tree compare to Mer Soleil Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Mer Soleil tends toward a much bigger, fruit-forward style, while Smoke Tree is lighter and more restrained on the palate. Drinkers who prefer elegance and earthy complexity over ripe fruit concentration generally gravitate toward Smoke Tree.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smoke Tree Pinot Noir good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balanced structure and moderate 13.5% ABV make it a comfortable solo pour, especially when served slightly cool to highlight the aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Smoke Tree Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree Pinot Noir is produced from fruit sourced across multiple vineyards in the Sonoma Coast appellation of Sonoma County, California. The wine is made by winemaker Joel Burt under the Moët Hennessy umbrella.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Smoke Tree Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted duck breast pairs naturally with the cherry and plum fruit. Grilled salmon complements the wine's silky texture. Mushroom risotto echoes its forest-floor earthiness, while aged Gruyère draws out the subtle vanilla and allspice notes. Herb-rubbed pork tenderloin also works well against the wine's moderate tannin structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Smoke Tree Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Smoke Tree Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Smoke Tree positions as an accessible, mid-range Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir with production values — native fermentation, French oak aging, multi-clone sourcing — typically associated with higher-priced wines. For drinkers seeking Sonoma Coast character without a premium-tier price tag, it represents solid value.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Smoke Tree?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe real differentiator here is the sourcing strategy. Drawing from eleven vineyard partners and up to five Pinot Noir clones — primarily Dijon selections planted at high density in the 1990s — gives winemaker Joel Burt a palette of flavors to blend toward a consistent, layered wine year after year. The production approach is uncommonly hands-off for a wine at this level: native fermentation, whole-cluster inclusion, and restrained new oak usage (just 15%) all point toward a philosophy that prioritizes vineyard expression over winemaking intervention. Backed by Moët Hennessy's resources but styled with a light touch, Smoke Tree stands apart from the many fruit-driven California Pinots that dominate its price tier.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smoke Tree","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44849840357545,"sku":"28421","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Smoke_Tree_Pinot_Noir__96885.jpg?v=1730848661"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/smoke-tree.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}