Brewer-Clifton Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2021

Cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving.

This Californian Chardonnay is an elegant affair, with aromas of pure lemon and lime, tropical hints of kiwi fruit, and light notes of orange and basil. It is a blend of three vineyards from the Santa Rita Hills AVA, each adding detail and power to this incredible bottle.

Brewer-Clifton is a winery by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton, founded in 1996. It places a focus on refined, Burgundy-style wines, crafted from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the breezy, ocean-influenced terroir of Santa Barbara, California. Greg Brewer has made quite a name for himself in his home state, winning Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year award in 2020.

The Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay shows a sharp, fresh texture on the palate, with hints of sea salt, crushed stone minerality, and tart lemon peel. As it develops in the mouth, floral and spicy notes of jasmine, ginger, and orange blossom emerge. The wine was aged in neutral barrels, allowing the distinctive terroirs of the Hapgood, 3D, and Machado vineyards to shine through. It’s a top-tier white wine, worthy of ageing for some time in the cellar, and pairing with white fish, shellfish, or pork.