2021 Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills opens with lots of flinty, matchstick tones over a core of spicy white peach and citrus blossoms. The light-bodied palate balances juicy acidity with a touch of textural grip. It has youthfully toasty, beeswax-laced fruit and a long, flinty finish. It will benefit from some time in a decanter.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to this range and the year. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint and chalk all grace this delicate, understated Chardonnay. The appellation Chardonnay is terrific in 2021.
Ripe orchard fruits, buttered lemon, crushed stone, and salty, marine-influence notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills, a concentrated, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with a liquid rock-like sense of minerality, beautiful mid-palate density, and a great finish. You should never underestimate these appellation releases from Greg Brewer. This is an insane value in top Chardonnay from California. As usual with Greg’s wines, these wines are not destemmed and are brought up all in neutral barrels. Most of the Chardonnays check in around 14% alcohol, with the Pinot Noirs between 14%-14.5%, and they all have singular characters as well as a decade of longevity at a minimum. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better lineup of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from anyone in California.