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As many of you know, the wines of 2005 represented Brewer – Clifton’s tenth harvest. We were very proud of this event, and are humbly grateful at the same time. Crossing this milestone gave us cause to think about many things. We found ourselves reflecting on the last ten years, appreciating our current situation, and looking eagerly towards the future.

With more accurate information, skilled vineyard practices, and expedited transportation of fruit we were confident in our ability to take our expression to a new and higher level. The wines from 2005 were the first of this new era. Steady rains in the spring flushed from the soils toxins resulting from five years of drought conditions allowing precious nutrients to be utilized by the vines. Vineyards literally bursted with pent-up energy resulting in a healthier fruit set than we have seen in many years. Careful growing practices allowed us both excellent quality and increased quantity compared to past years.

For a printable version of the 2005 vintage notes, please click here.



Chardonnay, Seasmoke

Chardonnay, Mount Carmel

Chardonnay, Sweeney Canyon

Chardonnay, Rancho Santa Rosa

Chardonnay, Ashley's

Pinot Noir, Ashley's

Pinot Noir, Cargasacchi

Pinot Noir, Mount Carmel

Pinot Noir, Rio Vista

Pinot Noir, Clos Pepe

Pinot Noir, Rancho Santa Rosa

Pinot Noir, Melville

Chardonnay, 2005, Seasmoke, Santa Rita Hills
We are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the limited chardonnay from this prestigious vineyard planted predominantly to pinot noir in the late 1990s. We have access to a three acre parcel from which we receive dijonnaise clones 76, 95 and 96. The block is in Metz loamy sand and is situated on a small mesa immediately above the Santa Ynez river.
Lime green and yellow in color. Aromas of apricot skin, cherimoya and salinity followed by flavors of pineapple, cactus and ginger. Medium weight with a palate cleansing freshness and texture.
9,216 bottles produced

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Chardonnay, 2005, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
This is a momentous release of this site as it marks the first time that we have managed the entire farming operation. Mount Carmel, originally planted in 1991 by Paul Albrecht and Ron Piazza, is now in the hands of our brilliant vineyard manager, Francisco Ramirez. Of the twenty-acre parcel, six are planted to Wente clone chardonnay on a steep, wind-beaten slope of botella clay and limestone.
Yellow to light gold in color. Aromas of candied lemon peel, orange zest and fresh brie rind followed by flavors of kiwi, prickly pear and locquat. Sharp initial front mouth attack followed by rich mouth filling volume and presence.
12,672 bottles produced

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Chardonnay, 2005, Sweeney Canyon, Santa Rita Hills
This bottling marks our tenth year of this historic site with which we have worked since our inception. We currently contract six of the eighteen acres which were planted in 1981 to Wente clone by the Marks family. This dry farmed vineyard is self-rooted in river silt/diatomite soils and is situated on the western fringes of the appellation.
Yellow to light gold in color. Aromas of gardenia, orange blossom and kafir leaf followed by flavors of lime, minerals and persimmons. Medium to full bodied with tremendous breadth and richness.
8,640 bottles produced

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Chardonnay, 2005, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
This is the first of two offerings from the extreme Rancho Santa Rosa property owned and farmed by Bill Foley. This block, located at the upper elevation of the vineyard, is planted solely to clone 76 on a steep slope of limestone-rich soil which is quite atypical for our area.
Bright aromas of flowers, lime and green tea followed by flavors of tapioca, cinnamon and crème brulée. Full-bodied with a rich, creamy texture.
2,016 bottles produced

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Chardonnay, 2005, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
This parcel of chardonnay is one of the most compelling that we work with. Planted entirely to clone Mount Eden on a very elevated mesa in sandy, clay-loam soils overlooking the entire appellation.
Aromas of lemongrass, yuzu and roasted corn followed by flavors of passionfruit, ginger and wheat. Very weighty yet exhibits great finesse despite it power.
4,896 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Ashley's, Santa Rita Hills
Owned by the Parker family and named after Fess’s daughter, Ashley, this diverse vineyard is farmed by Buona Terra Farming. We are currently working with two specific blocks of pinot noir planted on steep clay-loam slopes to clones 114, 115 and Pommard.
Aromas of rose petal, white miso and wild berries followed by flavors of dried mission fig, cranberry, rhubarb and beets. Very pliant texture which is lengthy yet more finesseful than most of our pinots.

10,944 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Cargasacchi, Santa Rita Hills
Peter Cargasacchi is a very detailed grower who constantly strives to further his knowledge and improve quality. We are fortunate to receive a two acre section of clone 115 which is planted in a clay loam soil replete with calcareous deposits and diatomaceous earth.
Aromas of savory meat stock, white cocoa and nutmeg followed by flavors of black raspberry and mild mole. Lush and fruity on the palate with a drying finish.
6,912 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Mount Carmel, Santa Rita Hills
We are thrilled to have the opportunity to farm this incredible vineyard as our monopole. Steep south facing slopes coupled with very complex soils of clay, diatomite and limestone render this site extremely compelling and inspiring.
Aromas of lingonberries and bright red fruits followed by flavors of vanilla bean, Moroccan spice and chocolate covered cherries. Both sweet and savory in the mouth, juxtaposing a noble and delicate palate impression with a persistent finish.
10,944 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Rio Vista, Santa Rita Hills
This vineyard owned by the Thorne family is farmed by Buona Terra Farming on the eastern extreme of the appellation. This bottling is a combination of clones 777 and 667 planted on a gentle west-facing slope in sandy, clay-loam soils.
Rose petal, dried cranberry and white sage aromas are followed by flavors of dried plums and crispy meat skin. More silky texturally than many of our offerings with a polished, lacy finich.
8,640 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Clos Pepe, Santa Rita Hills
This thirty acre vineyard is owned and farmed by the Pepe and Hagen families. Our section is planted solely to Pommard clone on a gently sloping knoll in the center of their property that is impacted by strong maritime breezes.
Aromas of flowers, black raspberries and smoked pork followed by flavors of holiday spice, strawberries and pomegranates. Full bodied with a dry, firm texture.
3,168 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Rancho Santa Rosa, Santa Rita Hills
Adjacent to the chardonnay parcel mentioned above, this block of clone 667 pinot noir is planted on a steep south facing slope replete with limestone.
Aromas of star anise, sandalwood and Chambord followed by flavors of rhubarb, beets and black raspberries. Opulent, lush and persistent in the mouth.

2,880 bottles produced

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Pinot Noir, 2005, Melville, Santa Rita Hills
The Melville family planted this windswept mesa in 1997 to clones 114 and 115. The clay-loam soil and cold winds consistently render this wine rich and velvety.
Dark, dense and regal in nature chracterized by aromas of graphite, menthol and strawberries. Flavors of milk chocolate, dried lavender and blue fruits follow with a noble and monumental palate impression.
5,184 bottles produced

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