2017 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir Machado
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Tasting notes
From a site on the northern side of the appellation, just behind Clos Pepe, the 2017 Chardonnay Machado is a medium to full-bodied, rich, seamless effort that has lots of minerality as well as notes of caramelized peach, apple tart, brioche, and honeysuckle. It’s a powerful, age-worthy beauty. This was another thrilling lineup from Greg Brewer, and I consistently rate these wines as some of the greatest in the Sta. Rita Hills, as well as all of Santa Barbara County. In addition to the latest releases, I was also able to taste retrospectives of his Chardonnay 3D and Pinot Noir Machado, which only reaffirmed my belief in the quality and age-worthiness of these wines. These are brilliant wines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Another highlight in this range, the 2017 Chardonnay Machado is striking for its sense of translucence and nuance. Lemon confit, almond, dried pear and mint add shades of complexity to this super-expressive, layered Chardonnay. In 2017, the Machado is all about understatement and class. I loved it.
Made with 100% whole cluster, the 2017 Pinot Noir Machado has a pale to medium ruby color and gives up warm cranberry, black cherry, red and black currants and licorice with hints of peppercorn, woodsmoke, pipe tobacco, dried rose petals and garrigue. The silky, light to medium-bodied palate fleshes out in the mouth with spicy fruits supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and layered. Give this more time in bottle. About 750 cases were made.