2009 Brewer-Clifton Sweeney Canyon Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills

The 2009 Chardonnay Sweeney Canyon shows a deep, baritone register in its dark, rich fruit, licorice and earthiness. This is a decidedly larger-scaled style of Chardonnay endowed with generous fruit and a powerful, muscular finish. I find this a little less elegant than some of the other 2009 Chardonnays, but that is really splitting hairs at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2017. No one has done more to carry the banner for the Santa Rita Hills than Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. Both together at Brewer-Clifton and separately in their other projects, Brewer and Clifton consistently deliver delicious wines that are also deeply thought provoking with regards to the potential these vineyard sites hold. The Pinots in particular are compelling. The 2009 Pinots saw a seven day cold soak and fermentations that lasted a total of 35-40 days, with 100% stems.Tel. (805) 735-9184; Fax (805) 735-9185; www.brewerclifton.com Review Date: August 2011