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2015 Brewer-Clifton Machado Pinot Noir

Removed from a subterranean, temperature and humidity controlled residential cellar; Purchased upon release; Consignor is original owner

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Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

95Wine Spectator

There’s a vibrant, bristling core of rooibos, bitter cherry and damson plum, plus a splash of licorice root...touch of pleasant rusticity holds sway on the savory and stem-accented finish.

95Wine Enthusiast

The stunning aromatic profile on this bottling compellingly combines candied fruit with the lift of crushed herbs, while blending cherry and grenadine with mint, bay leaf, a hint of green olive and a touch of crushed gravel on the nose. That lovable core of plush red fruits rides tight tannins on the palate, where bay leaf, thyme and green peppercorn flavors complete the sip.

93The Wine Advocate

...scented of kirsch and pomegranate with an undercurrent of forest floor, sautéed herbs, cinnamon stick and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied, the palate packs in the intense red berry and earthy flavors with a chewy backbone supporting the dense fruit through the long, lively finish.

93+ Jeb Dunnuck

...shows the more briny, tight, firm style of the 2015 vintage as well as medium-bodied richness, terrific purity, building tannins, and solid length.

92Vinous / IWC

...exuberance and racy, voluptuous fruit...fabulous drive to this creamy, layered Pinot with layers of flavor and texture, not to mention tons of pure appeal.

PRODUCER

Brewer-Clifton

Brewer-Clifton is owned and operated by Steve Clifton, a musician, and Greg Brewer, a former professor of French. The pair started Brewer-Clifton in 1995 and they source grapes from the Santa Rita Hills appellation. Brewer-Clifton makes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and sparkling wine. The wines earn ratings in the 90s from reviewers, and Wine Advocate has noted that “Brewer and Clifton consistently deliver delicious wines that are also deeply thought provoking with regards to the potential these vineyard sites hold.”

REGION

United States, California, South Coast, Santa Barbara County, Santa Rita Hills

Santa Rita Hills AVA in northern Santa Barbara County was granted appellation status in 2001. Located between the towns of Lompoc and Buellton, it has a total area of 30,720 acres with 2,700 vineyard acres. The area is considered a cool climate for vineyards, so vineyards are most often planted with the cool-weather grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The hills in the western part of this appellation are directly exposed to the Pacific Ocean, meaning that maritime winds and fog make the western edge of the Santa Rita Hills AVA particularly cool. The Sanford & Benedict Vineyard planted in 1971 was the first vineyard in the district and is still considered one of the best.

TYPE

Red Wine, Pinot Noir

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.

VINTAGE

2015 Brewer-Clifton Machado Pinot Noir