We are delighted to offer the superb 2010 vintage from Brewer Clifton, the legendary producers from California’s Santa Barbara region. The area came to prominence in the early 1990s and is particularly known for being the location of some of the most pro-active and innovative producers anywhere in the US.

Brewer-Clifton was founded by Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. As the former notes; “It is our primary goal and priority to deliver the essence of the vineyard as clearly and honestly as possible.” They do this by sourcing parcels, which they vinify and bottle separately, from growers in all corners of the county.

Along with the fantastic Brewer Clifton wines we are thrilled to be able to offer the Melville Vineyards wines, also produced by head wine maker Greg Brewer. Owned and run by the Melville family this estate began its life with a similar Burgundian obsession that bought Ron Melville together with Greg Brewer, initially selling him their grapes and eventually creating a superb partnership in their Santa Ynez winery.

We are huge fans of these wines here at Genesis and the initial verdict on the 2010 vintage is extremely exciting. They really prove that whereas Pinot Noir struggles in the Sonoma and Napa valleys, ironically further south in the Santa Barbara area (and specifically in the Santa Rita Hills appellation) where the cooling Pacific breeze benefits the vines so much that great Pinot is more than possible in California. We rate the wines here along side some of the best names in Burgundy.

As ever quantities of these wines are very limited and are likely to be in strong demand. Contact us to secure your allocation. Wines are priced in bond and will be shipped in October 2012.

 

Brewer-Clifton, Santa Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2010 - £240.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Dark plum, anise, and Pu-erh tea aromatics set the stage for the flavors of dried cherries, dried wild mushroom and baker’s cocoa flavors that follow. Tender and cohesive in the mouth with a very firm and savory palate impression and finish.” – Brewer Clifton

90 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton, Cargasacchi Pinot Noir 2010 - £360.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Savory aromas of sandalwood, cured meat and soy set the tone for subsequent flavors of dried strawberry, black cherry, dried orange peel and black tea. Firm and dry palate impression with tremendously spicy length..” – Brewer Clifton

89 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton , Melville Pinot Noir 2010 - £324.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Aromas reminiscent of wild strawberry, black tea and pine needles usher in flavors of sour cherry, rosemary and cinnamon powder. Very firm and dry tactile impression in the mouth with tremendous length in the finish.” – Brewer Clifton

92 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

Brewer-Clifton, Mount Carmel Pinot Noir 2010 - £336.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Raspberry, dried orange peel and spicy aromatics set the stage for the flavors of rhubarb, dried cherry and damp earth which follow. Extremely elegant and noble mouth feel supported by fine tannins and restrained richness.” – Brewer Clifton

93 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Santa Rita Hills Chardonnay 2010 - £216.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Rich aromas of lemon, kiwi, orange blossom and sweet basil are followed by a more precise flavor profile of jasmine, lime and ginger.  Extremely taut, focused and dry palate impression.” – Brewer Clifton

91 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

92 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Gnesa Chardonnay 2010 - £288.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Aromas of white pepper, chalk and lime followed by flavors of verbena, basil and lemon bar. Extremely taut, drying and focused palate impression.” – Brewer Clifton

92 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Brewer-Clifton, Sweeney Canyon Chardonnay 2010 - £306.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Vivid yellow-gold. High-pitched aromas of fresh orchard fruits, minerals, honeysuckle and white pepper show serious power and focus. Deep, palate-staining and precise, with impressive thrust to its pear and Meyer lemon flavors. Picks up smoke and iodine qualities with air, along with suggestions of licorice and chamomile. Rich but lively and incisive, with superb finishing clarity and lingering florality. This just refuses to let up, which is no problem for me. Wow!” - Josh Raynolds

90 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

Brewer-Clifton, Mount Carmel Chardonnay 2010 - £324.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Apricot, white nectarine and hazelnut aromatics followed by flavors of white peach, rinsed minerals and dried apricot. Remarkably elegant possessing singular weight, volume and refinement and a seemingly endless finish.” – Brewer Clifton

89 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

93 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

 

Melville Vineyards, Estate Pinot Noir 2010 - £210.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Deep ruby red in color with an opulent and complex nose of black tea, persimmon, chinese five-spice, and pumpkin pie.  Fresh red and blue fruit components of plum duck sauce, raspberry reduction, and bing cherry weave seamlessly on the palate along with umami-like notes of, dashi, chanterelles, nori, and miso. The mouthfeel is plush and complete yet finishes with elegance and restraint.” – Melville Vineyards

91 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Melville Vineyards, Carrie’s Pinot Noir 2010 - £138.00 per case (6x75) in bond

“The darkest and most powerful of our small lot collection Pinot Noirs, the Carrie's bottling is layered with richness. Cool notes of rosemary, ginger, and exotic tea leaf are intertwined with the warmth of ripe persimmon, mulberry and holiday spice. Savory notes of tamari, applewood, uni and plum play with perfumed white flower and juniper. The palate impression is generous and complete and finishes with significant texture and weight. 60% whole cluster.” – Melville Vineyards

94 Antonio Galloni (Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate)

 

Melville Vineyards, Estate Chardonnay 2010 - £186.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Bright yellow gold in color, concentrated aromatics of star anise, tarragon, ripe lemon, and flint emerge from the glass.  Impressions of raw pine nuts, quinine, tangerine leaf, and citrus oil flood the palate while notes of pie crust, green apple skin, pink grapefruit, and fresh chanterelles float in the background.  The mouthfeel is round and complete with a full, lengthy finish.” – Melville Vineyards

90 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

Melville Vineyards, Verna’s Viognier 2010 - £186.00 per case (12x75) in bond

“Boasting a bright green-gold hue, pure exotic expressions of kiwi fruit, loquat, mango, and star fruit emerge from the glass while notes of muddled mint, honeydew melon, rock salt, and plantain flirt in the background.  The mouth-feel is round and generous with bright acidity weaving through highlighting an elegant and restrained finish.” – Melville Vineyards

91 Josh Raynolds, (Steven Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar)

If you would like a case or two of any of these fantastic wines please contact us HERE.