Founded by Greg Brewer and Steve & Crystal Clifton, Brewer-Clifton has become one of the top producers of red and white wine in Santa Barbara County. In 2015 Brewer-Clifton was sold to a group of investors, that wanted to continue to strong run of quality. This year the winery was sold to the Jackson Family who add this outstanding winery to their growing portfolio. First founded in 2006, Brewer-Clifton originally made 240 cases of wine. Today they make 10,000 cases. Brewer oversees the winemaking and his new releases were stunning. All wines are estate produced
Look to their 2015 Brewer-Clifton ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Chardonnay (WWB, 93) which is one of the best entry level Chardonnay bottlings that I have sampled from this region in the last year. Even better was their 2014 Brewer-Clifton ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 94) which is a downright awesome value, showcasing wonderful range and red fruit flavors. Not to be outdone, the 2014 Brewer-Clifton ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir (WWB, 95) is a heavyhitter of a wine, showing off a stunning texture and tension. Learn more about these awesome wines at http://brewerclifton.com
2016 F + B Sauvignon Blanc- This wine begins with bright aromatics of lemongrass, white peach and gooseberry. This leads to ripe flavors of Meyer lemon, nectarine and suggestions of baking spices. This is lithe and has a wonderful structure. Drink 2017-2022- 91
2016 Diatom Chardonnay- This wine is 100% unoaked and was sourced rom the Hilliard Bruce vineyard. This wine begins with ripe aromatics of baking spices, banana, cantaloupe, and suggestions of Pazzaz apple. The mineral structure of this wine is lovely. Honeydew melon, vanilla cream and Meyer lemon rind flavors come to mind. This is wonderful wine that has great structure and dense fruit. Drink 2017-2024- 91
2015 Brewer-Clifton ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Chardonnay- This wine is a blend of Machado, 3D and Acin Vineyards. This has a highly Burgundian nose with wild mushroom, Golden Delicious apple and ripe pear. Dense and delicious, this wine has flavors of banana, roasted pineapple and suggestions of white tea with gooseberry accents. The weight and texture of this Chardonnay is absolutely gorgeous. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2012 Brewer-Clifton ‘Acin Vineyard’ Chardonnay- This wine is sourced from the Acin Vineyard which is located in the Santa Rita Hills AVA. The wine begins wth bright aromas of white truffle, white peach, grapefruit blossom and Red Delicious apple. The plush mouthfeel leads to rich flavors of bananas foster, white peach and creme brûlée. Polished and downright delicious, this wine is currently drinking beautifully and will cellar well for another decade. Drink 2017-2027- 93
2014 Brewer-Clifton ‘Santa Rita Hills’ Pinot Noir- This wine opens with a bouquet of cinnamon sticks, red cherry, guava puree and suggestions of pomegranate seed with orange rind. Lithe and deep, this shows very pretty flavors of red cherry, lavender, raspberry and pomegranate with Satsuma orange accents. Smooth and seductive, this is absolutely outstanding wine. Drink 2017-2028- 94
2014 Brewer-Clifton ‘Hapgood’ Pinot Noir- This excellent wine begins with bright aromatics of red cherry, guava puree, pomegranate seed and orange rind. The texture is absolutely stunning. Plush flavors of red cherry, red raspberry, sage and baking spices persist alongside some light tannins. This stunning wine will cellar beautifully for decades. Drink 2017-2030- 95
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