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2020 Brewer-Clifton 459 Pinot Noir

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

January 25, 2026 - $51

Estimate

RATINGS

96Wine Enthusiast

Intense and penetrating yet still floral and fresh aromas of lavender and boysenberry are fascinating on the inviting nose of this clonal selection. The palate is ripe with boysenberry jam, candied lilac and açaí flavors, which are show-stopping in nature and deeply delicious.

95The Wine Advocate

...alluring blend of deep red and blue fruit: boysenberry, dried cranberry and dried red cherries open with time to cola, lemon peel and black tea...medium-bodied palate is chalky and fresh with bursting red fruit character and a juicy, citrus-laced finish.

95James Suckling

Hibiscus, orange peel, and sliced strawberry aromas. Medium-bodied with a firm and juicy finish. Structured and solid. Impressive length. Layered and serious.

95+ Jeb Dunnuck

...has a more fruit-forward bouquet of ripe strawberries, red plums, forest floor, and exotic flowers, with just a kiss of background iron and marine-like nuances... Nicely structured on the palate, with medium-bodied richness, it has ripe yet firm tannins, beautiful overall balance, and a great finish. It's pure class.

94Wine Spectator

Packed with bramble-laced blackberry and mulberry fruit, this has excellent energy from start to finish, with mouthwatering anise and apple wood notes in the background. Shows a subtle singed sandalwood edge that provides a touch of perfume. Distinctive and delicious.

92Vinous / IWC

Dark fruit, tobacco, incense and dried herbs emerge with some coaxing, but only reluctantly.

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, Central 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

2020 Brewer-Clifton 459 Pinot Noir