Brewer Clifton Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay 2021

Ripe orchard fruits, buttered lemon, crushed stone, and salty, marine-influence notes all emerge from the 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills, a concentrated, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with a liquid rock-like sense of minerality, beautiful mid-palate density, and a great finish. You should never underestimate these appellation releases from Greg Brewer. This is an insane value in top Chardonnay from California.

There's terrific focus and intensity to the bright citrus flavors at the core of this white, with yuzu, ruby grapefruit, Meyer lemon and lime zest notes, plus plenty of salty, minerally accents that add a mouthwatering minerality, followed by hints of lemon basil that linger on the finish. Drink now. 5,600 cases made.

Citrusy tonic aromas meet with a light wood spice on the nose of this bottling. The palate brightens with lemon rind and balm flavors, as Mandarin orange pith and a zippy acidity pushes long into the finish.

The 2021 Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills opens with lots of flinty, matchstick tones over a core of spicy white peach and citrus blossoms. The light-bodied palate balances juicy acidity with a touch of textural grip. It has youthfully toasty, beeswax-laced fruit and a long, flinty finish. It will benefit from some time in a decanter.

The 2021 Chardonnay (Sta. Rita Hills) is a fabulous introduction to this range and the year. Citrus peel, white flowers, mint and chalk all grace this delicate, understated Chardonnay. The appellation Chardonnay is terrific in 2021.