Brewer Clifton Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2016

I opened this bottle, poured a little in the glass, sipped and came very close to abandoning ship. It was sooo BIG and oaky and buttery and kind of blew up my taste buds. A few minutes later, I came back to the glass. The wine was now floral and (still) big, a touch lemony and butter-scotchy. I loved it. So, I am very curious to hear what the real critics say:

This is what Ken (who drank this wine in 2018) at Ken’s Wine Guide said:

This light yellow colored Chardonnay from Brewer-Clifton was the clear winner in our recent Blind Tasting. It opens with an appealing lemon and apple bouquet with a hint of banana. On the palate, this wine is medium to full bodied, luscious, very smooth and nicely balanced. The flavor profile is a delicious light lemon and almond blend with notes gentle minerality and a hint of oak. The finish is dry and its flavors linger for a while before fading away nicely. We would suggest pairing this gem with chicken francese or fettucine alfredo. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: Aroma: Lemon, Kiwi, Orange Blossom & Sweet Basil Flavor: Jasmine, Lime, Ginger & Mineral Texture: Orange Zest & Fresh Sea Salt

This is what Robert Parker said:  A bright bouquet of honeyed citrus, preserved lemon, apple and beeswax, framed by a touch of nutmeg. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, finishing with good length and grip.

Okay, so my tasting notes are a little different from the experts, but the wine was seven years old when I drank it. I don’t know when Robert Parker tasted the wine, but I suspect that the wine has matured and changed as it aged. It is 100 percent Chardonnay from Santa Ynez valley which has to be one of the most beautiful places on earth. The Brewer Clifton winery is very close to where JFK and Jackie honeymooned at San Ysidro Ranch (and where FB Williams took me on a summer holiday). So, it is no wonder I instinctively loved this wine.