91pts Wine Spectator

A savory-edged version, with bitter cherry and raspberry coulis notes at the core and a flash of bracing oyster shell minerality through the finish. Drink now through 2028. 8,475 cases made.

Winemaker's Notes

The 2023 Brewer-Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir shows aromas of pomegranate, white tea, and raspberry. Flavors of dried fig, white truffle, and ripe cherry. On the palate, savory with notes of rooibos tea.

Only neutral barrels are employed. We strive for whole cluster fermentation. We farm with a focus of ripening the stems alongside the fruit, allowing the cluster to be in harmony. Working with the stems allows for wines that are structured, earthy and balanced with our beautiful Sta. Rita Hills fruit.

About the Area

One of the coolest climates on the west coast, Sta. Rita Hills of Santa Barbara County enjoys the longest growing season, making this a paradise for pinot noir and chardonnay. The quality of the vineyards and grapes grown here is rivaled only by the absolute beauty of the region itself. The unique transverse valleys funnel maritime influences through a small appellation filled with with variations in soil, aspect and micro-climates to produce sites of character and distinction. We are incredibly fortunate to work and farm in this exceptional winegrowing region, unlike any other in the world.

Winery Notes

Brewer-Clifton believes the geographic, geologic and climatic uniqueness of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation provides an ideal place to grow chardonnay and pinot noir grapes of intensity, complexity and specificity. This is why Founder and Winemaker Greg Brewer, Wine Enthusiast’s 2020 Winemaker of the Year, has dedicated his life to this region. Within this appellation, each vineyard carries its own imprint. The Brewer-Clifton mission and passion is to present wines that convey the characteristics inherent to each of these sites, with uncompromising quality.

Brewer–Clifton has the utmost respect for nature. They believe when working with a product of nature, it is necessary to maintain an awareness of the elements and phenomena sometimes beyond their understanding and control. As such, any intervention in the natural evolution of the product must be carried out with the utmost attentiveness and care.