Brewer-Clifton Strikes Again!
By Kerry Winslow
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2009 Brewer-Clifton Pinot Noir “Mount Carmel” Sta. Rita Hills.
This Pinot is a monopole for Brewer-Clifton and for me is their signature wine and one of the true greats of California, like the central coast’s “La Tache”! If you were going to pick out the top 5 Pinots in California, the Brewer-Clifton “Mount Carmel” would have to be a contender every vintage, along with Pisoni and other Grand Cru class wines. The 2009 vintage looks set to be a real classic, maybe the best yet? I think Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton have reached a new level with this vintage and the “Mount Carmel” is a stunning Pinot Noir of great depth, charm and balance. The nose has roses, grenadine, mineral spice and wild strawberry before a round and vibrant palate of black cherry, plum, strawberry, pomegranate and raspberry with liquid minerals, subtle oak, tea and Asian spices. A kiss of vanilla and sweet smoke linger on the finish and the fresh acidity keeps everything in check. This is a seductive and sexy Pinot Noir that will only gain with with some cellar time, though stellar already!
($57 Est.) 95-96 Points, grapelive
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