Downtown Los Olivos Wine Tasting Series
Classic Tasting at Brewer-Clifton
LOCATION: 2367 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
COST PER TASTING: $15 (Free for members)
Los Olivos is a picturesque town about an hour NE of Santa Babara. The AVAs surrounding Los Olivos produce mostly Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and these varieties are considered emblematic to the region because they are what was mainly planted when its most famous AVA, the Sta. Rita Hills was founded. Brewer-Clifton is the eponymous label of Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton, who met while on the board of the Santa Barbara County Vintners Association in 1995. In 2000, this pair helped to map and define the AVA of the Sta. Rita Hills, which is home to all four of the winery’s estate vineyards; Acin, Hapgood, Machado, and 3D.
The Terrior:
The climate in the Sta. Rita Hills is maritime; cool winds funnel in through a unique system of transverse valleys from the Pacific Ocean, which borders the Sta. Rita Hills on two of its four sides. This terroir results in fresh wines that feature a distinctive salinity, providing a core structure for healthy ageing.
The Story:
Brewer-Clifton is symbolic of Santa Barbara’s local identity; well-known and storied, this winery helped to define what Santa Barbara wine country is today. In fact, the label design itself features the hand-stenciled gold ceiling of the iconic local restaurant, Wine Cask. Although the winery was acquired by Jackson Family Wines in 2017, Greg Brewer remains deeply involved as Head Winemaker, and hence the style and quality of the wines remain uninfluenced. Brewer-Clifton continues to produce remarkable wines, focusing on Burgundian varieties, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, in the self-identified, “Coolest AVA on the west coast”.
The Whites:
2013 Machado Chardonnay
SRP: $75.00 ABV:13.5% | 4 barrels produced
Fresh aromas of jasmine blossom, lime peel, tart pear, and meringue, provides contrast to a lush mouthfeel. Creamy lemon and shortbread flavors on the finish. Mineral driven with ocean salt and neutral oak adds clean complexity. Excellent quality and energy. Best now or in 1-3 years.
2017 3D Chardonnay
SRP: $65.00 ABV:14.5% | 32 barrels produced
Meyer lemon, honeysuckle and caramelized tropical pineapple notes on the nose of this densely structured, medium body Chardonnay. Its sinuous viscosity gives an indulgent quality to the mouthfeel as flavors of lemon curd, applesauce and pastry dough linger on the palate. Good quality, ripe notes at peak point for enjoyment now.
The Reds:
2017 3D Pinot Noir
SRP: $65.00 ABV:13.5% | 4 barrels produced
This Pinot Noir exhibits earthy aromas of dried ocean driftwood, pine needles, light clove and smoke on the nose with deeper fruit flavors of raspberry and charred red cherry on the mid-palate. Whole cluster fermentation and neutral oak allow for layers of nuances where juicy fruit and earth intertwine to present something earnest yet convivial in nature. Reminiscent of young Côte de Beaune. Light and pleasant, delicious to drink now but also suitable for ageing 3-5 years.
2015 Acin Pinot Noir
SRP: $75.00 ABV:14.0% | 8 barrels produced
Lush and supple, the Pinot Noir from Acin vineyard portrays a superior depth and structure. The wine underwent whole bunch fermentation, spending between 12-18 months in neutral oak. This wine exhibits fruit forward character of juicy black cherry and dark pomegranate with complimenting aromas of light cedar and leather. Good quality, drink now through 2025
2017 Machado Pinot Noir
SRP: $80.00 ABV:14.0% | 31 barrels produced
Deep garnet in color, this medium body wine features flavors of rhubarb, cherry pie, cocoa, and Earl Grey tea. The finish is long and velvety. Drink now or in 3-5 years.
