2022 Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills)

I was deeply impressed with these wines from Brewer-Clifton. Over the years, Greg Brewer has fine-tuned the approach here considerably. Most of that has been refinement in the vineyard, where there is much more focus on freshness these days. That is especially of note in the Chardonnays, all of which are lower in alcohol than they used to be. Winemaking remains minimalistic and rooted in the principles that have defined these wines since the outset, including a high percentage of stems in the Pinots. The Chardonnays are particularly impressive in 2022, especially in the way they convey site character, which is always a challenge in years marked by intense heat. Pinots aren't too far behind. The vineyard-designate Chardonnays and Pinots spend 15 months in barrel (all neutral), with no racking prior to bottling. The Chardonnays may or may not go through full malolactic fermentation, depending on the year.