2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta Rita Hills Chardonnay, California, USA (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

This bottling is comprised Chardonnay 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.

TASTING NOTES:

Aged nine months in 100% neutral oak barrels, the 2023 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers crushed citrus, oyster shell, white flowers, and a kiss of salty minerality. It’s medium-bodied, has remarkable purity, vibrant acidity, and a great finish. As I’ve written many times, this appellation release can stand toe to toe with any Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County.

– Jeb Dunnuck, 95 pts.

Flint and seashells set the stage for a vibrant, tactile chardonnay with pears, bruised apples and almond skin, a coiled pulse of acidity running through the finish.

– James Suckling, 94 pts.

Shows harmony and intensity, with focused flavors of tangerine, Meyer lemon, lime and pomelo that are lovely at the core, plus aromatic notes of lemongrass, lemon thyme and oregano. A fresh thread of acidity and details of Himalayan sea salt gain momentum on the finish.

– Wine Spectator, 93 pts.

The 2023 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a blend of all the sites Brewer-Clifton works with. Crystal-clear, energetic and vibrant, the 2023 possesses an undeniable sense of place that is particularly impressive for an entry-level wine. Sea spray, lemon oil, ripe golden apple and spice gain intensity on the wide, supple close. This is beautifully persistent from start to finish.

– Vinous, 92 pts.