Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay 2022 is a 100% Chardonnay from Sta. Rita Hills at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. This appellation cuvée earned 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, along with 94 points from both Wine Enthusiast and James Suckling, underscoring its standing as one of the most compelling expressions of Santa Barbara County Chardonnay available today. Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5% | Origin: Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County, California | Vintage: 2022 | Winemaker: Greg Brewer Production & Heritage Greg Brewer founded the Brewer-Clifton label with a singular focus on Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and his winemaking philosophy is defined by restraint. The 2022 Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and fermented entirely in neutral oak barrels with no new oak whatsoever — a deliberate choice Brewer describes as wanting "all the expression and the decadence to come from the outside." The wine sees no lees stirring during élevage, allowing the five planted clones — including Clone 4, 76, Hyde, Mount Eden, and Wente selections — to transmit Sta. Rita Hills terroir without winemaking interference. Tasting Notes Aroma: Lemon pith and lemon peel lead the nose, joined by a subtle almond quality and a faint floral lift. There is no overt oak influence — just clean, focused citrus fruit framed by a chalky mineral thread. Taste: The entry is zippy and bright, with Meyer lemon zest and crisp green apple arriving first. At mid-palate, the wine gains weight and richness, revealing pear, a whisper of tropical fruit, and light baking spice. Vibrant acidity keeps everything taut and propulsive, while a pronounced tactile minerality grounds the palate. Finish: Medium-long and clean, with lingering citrus peel, chalky minerality, and tangy acidity that sustains well past the last sip. The absence of new oak keeps the finish pure and site-driven. How to Drink Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay This wine is best appreciated slightly chilled — around 50–55°F — served in a wide-bowled white wine glass to let its aromatic complexity open up. Neat and unadorned is the ideal approach given the winemaker's transparent style. A White Negroni (subbing dry vermouth and Suze) works because the wine's acidity and mineral spine hold up against bittersweet botanicals. A classic Kir with a touch of crème de cassis highlights the citrus fruit while adding depth. For a simple warm-weather serve, a White Wine Spritz with sparkling water and a lemon twist plays off the wine's naturally bright, refreshing profile. Best For Gifting a Chardonnay lover who appreciates unoaked or neutral-oak styles Pairing with a multi-course seafood dinner Building a vertical collection of Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay vintages Bringing to a tasting focused on cool-climate California whites Frequently Asked Questions What does Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay taste like? The dominant profile is bright Meyer lemon zest, green apple, and pear layered over a firm chalky minerality and tangy acidity. It drinks as a medium-bodied, crisp Chardonnay with no overt oak sweetness or butterscotch character. How does Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay compare to Au Bon Climat Chardonnay? Both are benchmark Sta. Rita Hills/Santa Barbara County Chardonnays, but Brewer-Clifton uses exclusively neutral oak and no lees stirring, resulting in a leaner, more mineral-driven style. Au Bon Climat tends to incorporate some new French oak, yielding a slightly richer, more textured mouthfeel. Is Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — its bright acidity, layered citrus fruit, and chalky minerality make it highly engaging without food. Serve it slightly chilled for the best aromatic expression. Where is Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay made? Brewer-Clifton is produced in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA, a cool-climate appellation within Santa Barbara County, California, where Pacific Ocean fog and wind create ideal conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. What foods pair well with Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay? Grilled halibut or sea bass, where the wine's acidity cuts through the fish's richness; raw oysters, which echo its saline minerality; roasted chicken with lemon and herbs, complementing the citrus notes; aged Comté or Gruyère cheese, whose nuttiness mirrors the wine's subtle almond quality; and light pasta dishes with a white wine or butter sauce. What sizes does Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay come in? The standard release is available in a 750ml bottle. Is Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay worth the price? Brewer-Clifton positions as a premium Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay, and its critical recognition — 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 94 from Wine Enthusiast, 94 from James Suckling, and 93 from Wine Spectator — suggests strong value within that tier for a wine of this quality and pedigree. Why Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay? What separates the 2022 vintage is Greg Brewer's uncompromising commitment to non-interventionist winemaking — whole-cluster pressing, zero new oak, no lees stirring — in a category where many California Chardonnays still lean heavily on winemaking technique for flavor. The result is a wine that reads as a direct translation of Sta. Rita Hills limestone soils and cool marine influence rather than a cellar creation. A 96-point score from Jeb Dunnuck places it among the top-rated appellation-level Chardonnays from the 2022 California vintage. For drinkers seeking precision, minerality, and site transparency in their Chardonnay, this bottling sets a clear benchmark.
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