Brewer Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2023

The presence of approximately 90% stems is clear on the nose and palate, the resulting grip making for an impressively structured appellation cuvee. Yet the fruit is juicy with cherries, cherry pits, tealike tannins and aromatic woodsy spices with rose hips and juniper, all singing through the midpalate and finish.

As with all the Pinot Noirs from this talented winemaker, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills was not destemmed and was aged all in 100% neutral oak barrels. Medium ruby-hued, darker berries and redcurrants intermixed with rose, damp forest floor, and subtle spicy, meaty nuances all emerge from the glass. It's remarkably pure and medium-bodied, with a pure, seamless, layered mouthfeel and ultra-fine tannins. This is classic Greg Brewer brilliance with Pinot Noir. Drink bottles any time over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035.

This appellation cuvée is always a solid bet for experiencing a healthy dose of Greg Brewer's unique style. Strawberry, bay leaf and eucalyptus grove aromas lead from the zesty nose into a palate of tart raspberry, orange peel and more eucalyptus flavors.

The 2023 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills) is open-knit, fleshy and approachable. Vibrant acids and tingly floral notes lift a wine of purity, regional identity and palpable energy. This really captures the essence of the Sta. Rita Hills. Salted cranberry, crushed rocks, rosewater and orange peel meld together in utter harmony. You’d be hard pressed to find a more terroir-driven entry-level Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara. Drinking Window: 2025-2033

As with the Chardonnay iteration, the 2023 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills encapsulates the region, house and vintage with admirable precision and crystal clarity. Red-fruited, herbal and crushed stone aromas introduce a lifted yet saturated palate, concluding with a similarly vibrant and pleasantly savory finish that lingers with marine nuances.