Brewer Clifton Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2022
(Santa Barbara County, California) - [JD 94] [WE 94] [DM 94] [WS 93] [VM 92]

Notes from the Winemaker:
This bottling is comprised of Pinot Noir from four vineyards within the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. 3D, Machado, Hapgood, and Perilune vineyards all contribute to the wine which exhibits a drive, richness and pedigree expressive of our special growing area coupled with the purity of fruit and firm structure which have been the trademark of Brewer-Clifton.

3D - The primary emphasis of the predominantly sandy 10 acre vineyard is chardonnay, with five clones planted. In addition to chardonnay, there is a smaller field of pinot noir planted to Swan, Pommard and 667 clones.

MACHADO - 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.

HAPGOOD - In 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. Our most recent installation, planted in 2010, is this small 2 1/2 acre section of pinot noir planted to Merry Edwards clone.

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: Pomegranate, White Tea, Raspberry

Flavor: Dried Fig, White Truffle, Ripe Cherry

Texture: Rooibos Tea, Savory

Ratings & Reviews:

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
“Leading off the reds, the 2022 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is incredibly expressive and open, with a great nose of spiced red fruits, iodine, spring flowers, rose, and baking spices. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Pinot Noir with a round, layered, elegant mouthfeel, rock-solid acidity, and a great finish. As always, it’s a terrific value in top-notch Pinot Noir and will have 10-15 years of longevity. 4,969 cases.” (Aug 2024)

94 Points & Editor’s Choice - Wine Enthusiast:
“This brand's wines are consistently engaging even at this more widely available appellation cuvée level. Crisp cherry, raspberry, bay leaf and fennel aromas lead from the nose into a palate that's alive with juicy red fruits and wild, peppery herbs.” – Matt Kettmann (Oct 2024)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
“Rose petals, violets, concentrated berries and fresh mint mingle on the aromatics from this 2022 Pinot Noir out of the Sta Rita Hills. Sourced from three different distinguished sites, the aim being to make a Pinot Noir that speaks to classic Sta Rita Hills terroir. The palate offers concentrated, vibrant red berries, smashed raspberries, strawberries and tayberries with notes of clove, white pepper and a lingering savour element you may chock up to wild fennel or dill. Delicious and fresh.” (Oct 2023)

93 Points - Wine Spectator: 
“This is generous in feel, with a plump edge to its cherry and damson plum fruit compote notes, offering hints of tobacco, warm earth and singed herbs that stay in the background. The light-handed toast lets everything knit easily through the finish. Drink now through 2033. 6,836 cases made.” – JM (Sep 2024)

92 Points - Vinous Media: 
“The 2022 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is everything an appellation-level wine should be: attractive, inviting and easy to drink. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, white flowers, orange peel and exotic spice overtone are beautifully lifted throughout.” – Antonio Galloni (Aug 2024)