P R E S S

“ D i s c i p l i n e , n e u t r a l i t y a n d d e l i b e r a t e i n t e n t h a v e s t e a d f a s t l y s e r v e d a s o u r

p r i m a r y p r i o r i t y s e t . T h e s e p r i n c i p l e s a r e w o v e n t h r o u g h e v e r y a s p e c t o f o u r

w o r k a n d a r e i d e a l l y t r a n s m i t t e d t h r o u g h t h e o u t c o m e o f o u r e n t i r e p o r t f o l i o .

W i t h i n t h a t e t h o s r e s i d e t h r e e d i s t i n c t p r o j e c t s , e a c h o f w h i c h f o c u s o n a

s i n g u l a r i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f p l a c e . E a c h s p e c i f i c w i n e r y s t r i v e s t o h a r n e s s o u r

a p p e l l a t i o n s w i t h t h e u t m o s t t r a n s p a r e n c y i n t h e i r o w n u n i q u e s t y l e . T h i s

o b j e c t i v e i s t o o f f e r t h e m o s t r e l e v a n t v o i c e o f o u r e s t a t e s . W h i l e t h e t h r e e

l a b e l s a r e c o r r a l l e d b y m y n a m e , t h e i r o u t c o m e i s u l t i m a t e l y t h e r e s u l t o f o u r

e n t i r e Te a m w h o s e d e v o t i o n t o e v e r y s t e p o f t h e p r o c e s s i n f o r m s , m o t i v a t e s

a n d i n s p i r e s … ”

GREG BREWER

WORD ON THE STREET – PRESS

76 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018/2019

In each issue, the editorial team at The SOMM Journal will

on select wines that garnered scores of at least 90 points.

“How slow life seems to me

How violent the hope of love can be

Let night come on bells end the day

The days go by me still I stay”

—Excerpt from “Le Pont Mirabeau” by French poet Guillaume Apollinaire

GREG BREWER HAS been up all night—and most of the day. A couple of

naps in his upstairs lounge allow him to work around the clock in the tasting

room/winery facility for Brewer-Clifton, located in an industrial area near the

Lompoc Wine Ghetto in Lompoc, California.

Intention and focus are a mantra for Brewer, who sold his eponymous

label to Jackson Family Wines just over a year and a half ago. Whether he has

two or three winemaking assistants helping him or not, Brewer continues to

create a wine bearing his name. “I’m

a full-time employee for Jackson

Family Wines, and I have never

been treated so well in my career,”

he says. “The winery has never felt

more mine, and I take more risks

now than before.”

The vintages of the bottles on the

Brewer-Clifton “Foundation Wall”

range from 1996 to 2015, and the

label design has remained the same

throughout that time period. “I see

this as a discipline more than a

winery,” Brewer confesses. “Nothing

changes here—not the packaging

nor the culture.”

Working with neutral oak, cold

fermentation, estate fruit, and a

cooperage program that dates back

20 years, the small but super-efficient

space was designed by Brewer himself. He has blocked all natural light from

the winemaking facility, and electronic music is piped throughout to remove

outside distractions. Even his tasting room in Los Olivos is spare and stream-

lined. “Nothing we do here has an X factor or a hook. We don’t Photoshop or

Autotune our wines,” says Brewer, whose passions beyond wine include French

poetry. “It’s the imperfections that allow the beauty to show through.”

The Beauty of ImperfectionGREG BREWER OF BREWER-CLIFTON SHARES

HIS MINDFUL APPROACH TO WINEMAKING

Brewer-Clifton Winemaker Greg Brewer

says everything he does revolves

around geometry and proportion.

PHOTO: JEREMY BALL

Diatom 2017 Katherine’s Chardonnay, Santa

Maria Valley ($36) Named for the diatoma-

ceous earth made from the fossilized remains of

ancient sea creatures. Katherine’s is a 50-year-old

self-rooted vineyard that butts up against the Bien

Nacido Vineyard. Brewer says the wine is made in

a cloistered environment, a “vacuum with a slow

trajectory.” Reaching an equilibrium of edge and

roundness (no ML here), we find vanilla custard

and lemon curd. 94

Brewer-Clifton 2015 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills

($40) Made from 120 assembled ferments that

speak to clones, soils, and clusters both whole and

fractional. From the 3D, Hapgood, and Machado

vineyards, the generous fruit morphs with savory

white pepper into a clove-y spice with soy and

salted plum. Its stemmy flavor profile frames a

drying persistence. 93

Ex Post Facto 2016 Syrah, Santa Barbara

County ($36) Brewer’s newest project is this

cold-climate, whole cluster–fermented Syrah with

exotic flavors and aromas of red fruit seasoned

with lavender and peppercorn. Seamless and

floral. 94

Brewer-Clifton 2015 Machado Pinot Noir, Sta.

Rita Hills ($80) 100% whole cluster–fermented

and aged in older barrels. Aromas of tilled soil and

desiccated rose petals precede strawberries and

delicate nuances of floral brush. 95

by Meridith May

WORD ON THE STREET – PRESS

“The Beau t y o f Impe r f e c t i o n ”

b y M e r i d i t h M a y, J a n u a r y 2 0 1 9

Intention and focus are a mantra for Brewer, who sold his eponymous label to Jackson

Family Wines just over a year and a half ago. Whether he has two or three winemaking

assistants helping him or not, Brewer continues to create a wine bearing his name. “I’m a

full-time employee for Jackson Family Wines, and I have never been treated so well in my

career,” he says. “The winery has never felt more mine, and I take more risks now than

before… Nothing we do here has an X factor or a hook. We don’t Photoshop or Autotune

our wines,” says Brewer, whose passions beyond wine include French poetry. “It’s the

imperfections that allow the beauty to show through.”

“Why B r ewe r- C l i f t o n i s o n e o f S an t a Ba r b a r a C oun t y ’s

h o t t e s t w i n e s ”

b y M a t t K e t t m a n n , J u l y 2 0 1 9

The ownership went through multiple shifts in recent years until the brand was sold in

2017 to Jackson Family Wines. That move brought Brewer back into full-time winemaking,

and he seems as energized as he’s ever been, focused on cementing his legacy with the

backing of a major company…

The Pinots all offer clean, pure red-fruit expressions, tinged with freshly plucked forest

herbs, while the Chards are truly unique, pairing citrus pith energy with dairy notes and

nutty finishes. Brewer is also making a savory Syrah under the brand Ex Post Facto and

stainless steel, tropical-leaning Chardonnays under the brand Diatom.

“Cen t r a l C o a s t : T h e 2017s and 2018s”

b y J e b D u n n u c k , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9

“This was another thril l ing lineup from Greg Brewer, and I consistently rate these wines as

some of the greatest in the Sta. Rita Hills, as well as all of Santa Barbara County. In addi-

tion to the latest releases, I was also able to taste retrospectives of his Chardonnay 3D and

Pinot Noir Machado, which only reaffirmed my belief in the quality and age-worthiness of

these wines. These are bril l iant wines.”

READ FULL ARTICLE

READ FULL ARTICLE

2017 S t a . R i t a H i l l s Cha r d onna y

9 5 P O I N T S

J e b D u n n u c k , J e b D u n n u c k . c o m , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9

One of the great values out there, the 2017 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills offers thril l ing

notes of white flowers, white peach, currants, and toasted bread. This ripe, sexy wine is

unquestionably at the same level as the more expensive single vineyard releases, and it

will evolve for just as long.

9 3 P O I N T S

M a t t K e t t m a n n , W i n e E n t h u s i a s t , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

This appellation blend carries that aromatic hallmark of this winery’s Chardonnays, with a

streak of walnut oil that decorates the marmalade and toast tones. The palate is bright in acid-

ity, giving energy to the flavors of walnut paste, dried orange peel and sun-dried honeysuckle.

9 2 P O I N T S

K i m M a r c u s , W i n e S p e c t a t o r, D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9

Very spicy and well-structured, with firm acidity supporting the ripe pear, apple tart and

lemon meringue flavors. Concentrated dried mango accents linger on the finish, along

with pastry and nutmeg notes. Best from 2020 through 2025.

TOP PRESS

TOP PRESS

2017 3D Cha r d onna y

9 6 P O I N T S

J e b D u n n u c k , J e b D u n n u c k . c o m , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9

One of the larger production single vineyards as well as the only one to go out to distribu-

tion, the 2017 Chardonnay 3D comes from a more easterly site that was planted in 2007.

It’s a richer Chardonnay and offers an ethereal, gorgeously pure bouquet of caramelized

citrus, white flowers, pineapple, honeysuckle, and toasted bread. Beautifully layered,

seamless, and polished, with medium to full-bodied richness, it ’s another rocking effort.

9 5 P O I N T S

E r i n B r o o k s , R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

The 2017 Chardonnay 3D has a wonderfully open nose of honey-drizzled hazelnut, sweet

hay, warm peach and nectarine with white blossoms, a hint of chamomile, red apple skin

and a strong line of crushed rock minerality. It’s medium to full-bodied and juicy with tons

of ripe, honeyed fruits that segue back to lime skin and crushed stone on the very long,

energetic finish.

9 4 P O I N T S

K i m M a r c u s , W i n e S p e c t a t o r, D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 9

Sleek, with powerful minerality to the pure-tasting flavors of pear tart, apple pastry and

peach. Rich lemon curd accents fi l l in midpalate and linger on spicy and well-framed

finish. Drink now through 2025.

9 3 P O I N T S

M a t t K e t t m a n n , W i n e E n t h u s i a s t , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

This bottling’s nose is delicate yet focused with aromas of lemon blossoms, lemon candy,

lemon balm and lemon verbena, as well as a touch of nectarine. The sip snaps with

green-citrus flavors of grapefruit before warming up toward brioche with lemon fil l ing, all

surrounding lively acidity and compelling texture. Cellar Selection.

2016 S t a . R i t a H i l l s P i n o t No i r

9 3 P O I N T S

D o u g W i l d e r, P u r e l y D o m e s t i c W i n e R e p o r t , J u l y 2 0 1 8

The nose is a lean cherry, herb, tea leaf and mint. The palate is a supple red fruit, cherry

and apple through the core finishing in a focused depth of plum and spiced cherry.

9 0 P O I N T S

W i l l i a m K e l l e y, R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , A p r i l 2 0 1 8

The 2016 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is a very good introduction to the Brewer-Clifton style,

wafting from the glass with a nose of ripe cherries, candied red fruit, spice and dried

herbs that’s more fruit-driven than this bottl ing often is straight out of the gates. On the

palate, the wine is supple, saline and medium-bodied, with nice energy and a crunchy

core of fruit. This should drink well for the better part of a decade.

9 0 P O I N T S

K i m M a r c u s , W i n e S p e c t a t o r, A u g u s t 2 0 1 8

A chiseled red, with notes of underbrush to the dried raspberry and red currant flavors

that feature accents of persimmon and pomegranate. Cardamom details show on the

finish. Drink now through 2022.

TOP PRESS

2016 Machado P i n o t No i r

9 6 P O I N T S

J e b D u n n u c k , J e b D u n n u c k . c o m , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 8

The 2016 Pinot Noir Machado showed beautifully, with the rounded, supple, and opulent

style of this great vintage front and center. Loads of candied cherries, raspberries, spice,

and floral notes all define the bouquet, and it has no hard edges and wonderful balance.

It’s going to continue drinking bril l iantly for another decade or more.

9 3 P O I N T S

K i m M a r c u s , W i n e S p e c t a t o r, S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 8

Pure and refined, with a minerally essence and notes of slate and underbrush to the dried

red fruit flavors. Offers hints of cream and spice on the finish.

9 2 P O I N T S

W i l l i a m K e l l e y, R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , A p r i l 2 0 1 8

The 2016 Pinot Noir Machado is quite tight-knit after its very recent bottl ing, unwinding

in the glass with notions of cherry, strawberry preserve, rose petal, cinnamon and orange

rind — seemingly the most floral and high-toned of these 2016s. On the palate, the wine is

medium-bodied, supple and fine-boned, without the power and richness of the Hapgood

or 3D, but endowed with lovely energy.

TOP PRESS

2015 D rum Can y on P i n o t No i r (Limited Library Release)

9 4 P O I N T S

M a t t K e t t m a n n , W i n e E n t h u s i a s t , F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 8

There’s an intriguingly earthy character to the nose of this bottl ing by Greg Brewer, with

snapped sagebrush, dill, green olive and tart pluot aromas leaning into the herbal side of

the grape. There’s great tension to the sip, which is fresh and flavorful with underripe fig

and strawberry, orange rind and a hint of green peppercorn.

9 3 + P O I N T S

A n t o n i o G a l l o n i , V i n o u s , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 7

An absolutely gorgeous wine, the 2015 Pinot Noir Drum Canyon is also the highlight in

this range from Brewer-Clifton. All the elements come together in a wonderfully expres-

sive, complete Pinot loaded with personality and class. Aromatics, fruit and structure are

all deftly balanced. Calera and Swan are the main clones.

9 3 P O I N T S

L i s a P e r r o t t i - B r o w n , R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 7

Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2015 Pinot Noir Drum Canyon has notes of warm cher-

ries and black raspberries with hints of sautéed herbs and tree bark plus a waft of fungi.

Medium-bodied, the palate is very elegant with finely grained tannins, loads of freshness

and great length.

TOP PRESS

2018 d i a t om Ba r-M Cha r d onna y

9 3 P O I N T S

E r i n B r o o k s , R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

The 2018 Chardonnay Bar-M has an open nose of quince, warm hay, green apple and

pear, baker’s yeast, acacia and dried chamomile with white peach and nectarine plus

hints of l ime peel and crushed stone. Light to medium-bodied, it has a wonderful core of

spicy fruit and wicked minerality in the mouth, amplified by juicy freshness and a long,

energetic, layered finish. Yum!

9 3 P O I N T S

A n t o n i o G a l l o n i , V i n o u s , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

From a site in Los Alamos, the 2017 Chardonnay Bar M is perfumed, lifted and wonderfully

gracious in feel. Citrus and floral notes abound in a very pretty, expressive Chardonnay

that shows the aromatic style that is so common here. White flowers, mint and saline

overtones add closing layers to this pretty and inviting Chardonnay from Greg Brewer’s

diatom label.

9 2 P O I N T S

M a t t K e t t m a n n , W i n e E n t h u s i a s t , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

From a vineyard in the Los Alamos Valley, this bottl ing by Greg Brewer begins with fresh

aromas of passion fruit, citron, l ime leaf and wet cement. The palate is tightly wound with

slightly sour tones of guava peel, presenting a very fresh, no-oak style that sti l l has plenty

of character.

9 2 P O I N T S

J e b D u n n u c k , J e b D u n n u c k . c o m , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9

Very spicy and well-structured, with firm acidity supporting the ripe pear, apple tart and

lemon meringue flavors. Concentrated dried mango accents linger on the finish, along

with pastry and nutmeg notes. Best from 2020 through 2025.

TOP PRESS

2017 Ex Post Facto Santa Barbara County Syrah (SOLD OUT!)

2018 Releasing March 30, 2020

9 3 P O I N T S

M a t t K e t t m a n , W i n e E n t h u s i a s t , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

Greg Brewer explores the savory side of Syrah in this bottl ing, which delivers aromas of

thyme, green peppercorn, charred beef and elderberry on the nose. The palate packs in

herbs and peppercorns but also thicker black-currant f lavors, providing both flavorful

depth and textural richness.

9 3 P O I N T S

E r i n B r o o k s , R o b e r t P a r k e r W i n e A d v o c a t e , S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 9

Entirely whole-cluster fermented, the 2017 Syrah has a medium ruby color and pretty

nose of pipe tobacco, blackcurrant, dried black cherries, chargri l l , smoke and garrigue

with hints of peppered meats, crushed blueberries and loamy earth. Medium to full-bod-

ied and silky, it gives restrained ripe fruits in the mouth, f leshing out to savory layers, with

firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, f inishing long. Yum!

9 2 P O I N T S

J e b D u n n u c k , J e b D u n n u c k . c o m , O c t o b e r 2 0 1 9

A smoking value from the talents of Greg Brewer, the 2017 Syrah Santa Barbara County

comes half from the Nielson Vineyard in Santa Maria and the other half from the Neely

Vineyard in Los Alamos. Not destemmed and brought up in neutral oak, it has a classic

Syrah gaminess as well as notes of black raspberries, bacon fat, crushed violets, and

tapenade. This peppery, medium-bodied, elegant, beautiful Syrah has no hard edges,

terrif ic balance, and just a complex, satisfying style.

9 2 P O I N T S & B E S T B U Y

P a t r i c k J . C o m i s k e y, W i n e & S p i r i t s , F e b r u a r y 2 0 2 0

A new project from Greg Brewer, this syrah is drawn from Neely Vineyard, in Los Alamos,

and Nielsen Vineyard, in the Santa Maria Valley. It ’s sleek and rich, with aromas of

lavender, violets and peppercorn, a burst of acidity and smoky, mouthfi l l ing tannins. Well

priced for steak. (544 cases)

TOP PRESS

WINEMAKER V IDEO SER IES

P l e a s e c l i c k o n image t o p l a y v i d e o