Grapelive Wine of the Week

By Kerry Winslow

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2009 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir “Clos Pepe” Sta. Rita Hills.
One of the stars of the vintage has to be Brewer-Clifton’s remarkable “Clos Pepe” Pinot Noir, it has it all, class and complexity with pureness of fruit. This pleasing gem is open already with perfume, richness and great length making it one of the best drink young joys of the bunch of the fantastic Pinots that Steve Clifton and Greg Brewer made in 2009. While I’ll admit to having a soft spot for the Brewer-Clifton “Mount Carmel and “Melville” wines, this “Clos Pepe” rivals them at this stage and is the sleeper in the line up, and one to grab if you can find it. The classic nose of rose petal and violets comes through with hints of mineral and fresh berries before a full and lush palate of black cherry, currant, plum and pomegranate fruits, while mineral notes and tea spices flow in the background. The subtle oak is well hidden, but gives a smooth texture with just a faint whiff of smoke and vanilla, and there is lots of clean acidity to keep things defined and vivid.
($53-57 Est.) 94+ Points, grapelive


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