Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2021
(Santa Barbara County, California) - [JD 96] [JS 94] [WS 93] [VM 92] [WE 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
With the goal of expressing a comprehensive expression of the appellation, we selected three unique vineyard sites to create this Sta. Rita Hills bottling. This blend is comprised of 3D, Machado and Hapgood vineyards. While each lot is handled separately and in a completely uniform fashion in the winery, each contributes vastly different expressions which ultimately harmonize in the finished wine.

PHILOSOPHY: At Brewer–Clifton, we believe that the geographic, geologic and climatic uniqueness of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation provide an ideal place to grow chardonnay and pinot noir of intensity, complexity and specificity. Our mission and indeed our passion is to present wines that convey the characteristics inherent to each of these sites, with uncompromising quality.

CRAFT: Only neutral barrels are employed. Whole cluster pressed chardonnay. We don’t promote or prohibit malolactic fermentation, allowing wine to be in balance, bright and elegant.

FARMING: As each vineyard has its own unique requirements and we manage each according to their inimitable needs rather than a macro approach to farming. We are working to achieve a natural balance between the site, the vines, the aspect and the microclimates in each vineyard, using sustainable and/or organic farming methods whenever possible.

VINEYARDS: This blend is comprised of 3D, Machado and Hapgood vineyards: 3D The primary emphasis of the predominantly sandy 10 acre vineyard is chardonnay, with five clones planted in equal amounts. MACHADO The 15 acre parcel on the Machado family land is located adjacent to Clos Pepe and immediately behind the Kessler-Haak vineyard. The site is marked by a gorgeous rolling terrain with sandy clay loam soils. HAPGOODIn slightly richer soil, the vineyard is planted to the Mount Eden selection of chardonnay. The elevated clay loam content results in larger volume and a more dense palate expression.

CELLARING: All of the wines are produced with the intention of aging and cellaring for at least 10 years and can easily be enjoyed after 15 yrs. 

Tasting Notes:

Aroma Lemon, Kiwi, Orange Blossom, Sweet Basil

Flavor Jasmine, Lime, Ginger, Mineral

Texture Peel, Orange Zest, Fresh Sea Salt.

Ratings & Reviews:

96 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Ripe orchard fruits, butted lemon, crushed stone, and salty, marine-influence notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills, a concentrated, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with a liquid rock-like sense of minerality, beautiful mid-palate density, and a great finish. You should never underestimate these appellation releases from Greg Brewer. This is an insane value in top Chardonnay from California." (8/2023)

94 Points - James Suckling:
Attractive aromas of candied lemons, peaches and dried mangoes with hints of honeysuckle and praline. Some crushed almonds, too. Medium- to full-bodied. Shows concentration, focus and tension. It has vivid acidity and delicious fruit with a bright, tangy feeling on the finish.

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"There’s terrific focus and intensity to the bright citrus flavors at the core of this white, with yuzu, ruby grapefruit, Meyer lemon and lime zest notes, plus plenty of salty, minerally accents that add a mouthwatering minerality, followed by hints of lemon basil that linger on the finish." *Highly Recommended* -MW (7/2023)

92 Points - Vinous:
"The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to this range and the year. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint and chalk all grace this delicate, understated Chardonnay. The appellation Chardonnay is terrific in 2021." -AG (9/2023)

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Citrusy tonic aromas meet with alight wood spice on the nose of this bottling. The palate brightens with lemon rind and balm flavors, as Mandarin orange pith and a zippy acidity pushes long into the finish." -MK (10/2023)