A
very special thanks to José Montalvo from the restaurant
Jean-Georges in New York for his help in producing
the following tasting notes.
For a copy of these notes that you can print, click here.
Chardonnay,
2000, Katherine's, Santa Maria Valley
From rows 1 - 5 of block A-1 in the far north-western corner
of Katherine's Vineyard on a high slope of the Santa Maria
bench. Aromas of white peach and hazel nut dmoniate followed
by more subtle elements of matchstick, pear skin and minerals.
Those aromatics are followed by intense red apple flesh, lemon
zest and mineral flavors. Structurally, the wine's acidity
is intense and lively as it has proven to be consistently
over the past four years.
1,428 bottles produced
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Chardonnay,
2000, Marcella's, Santa Barbara County
Thie 28-year old vineyard planted in a 35-feet deep sand dune
has been a hallmark of Santa Barbara County wine growing.
Exotic fruits such as kiwi, lychee and overripe pineapple
are framed by background pineapple skin aromatics. In the
mouth the wine is a veritable steamroller, gripping and rich
with a relentless attack of exoticism.
1,680 bottles produced
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Chardonnay,
2001, Sweeney Canyon, Santa Rita Hills
Farmed by the Marks Family, this 18-acre Chardonnay vineyard
near Lompoc has been a very special place for Greg and Steve
since Brewer - Clifton's inception.
Opulent aromas of pineapple, pear, lychee and sweet meyer
lemon immediately explode from the glass. Exotic flavors of
aloe, banana and burnt sugar carry on through the palate.
A huge wine in the mouth with tremendous richness and an endless
finish.
2,280 bottles produced
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Pinot
Noir, 2000, Julia's, Santa Maria Valley
Aromatically, there is an intriguing juxtaposition
between exotic spice and cured meats reminiscent of pastrami
and blood sausage. Behind those components is a rich core
of raspberry which offers a preview of the intense fruit on
the palate. Black cherry, raspberry and plum dominate on the
palate with an intenesly spicy grip in the finish.
1,440 bottles produced
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Pinot
Noir, 2000, Rozak Ranch, Santa Rita Hills
Randy and Sarah Rozak own and farm this very special 8-acre
vineyard a few miles back off highway 246 behind Clos Pepe.
The Rozak’s commitment to their site is admirable and
we look forward to a great relationship in the years to come
for both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This particular block
is mostly Pommard clone planted in 1995. Very dark aromatic
profile of baked dark fruits such as raspberry and blackberry.
Similar flavors usher in a ripe strawberry component in this
richly textured bottling.
2,580 bottles produced
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Pinot
Noir, 2000, Santa Maria Hills, Santa Maria Valley
The oldest Pinot Noir vineyard in the county, planted in 1969.
Plummy earthiness sets the tone for this complex bottling
aromatically, followed by essential eucalyptus oil and black
cherry in the background. Similar dark fruit and earth in
the mouth with sensual persistance.
2,160 bottles produced
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