The 2009 Pinot Noir Mount Carmel impresses for its generous radiant personality. Constantly changing in the glass it shows off a multi-dimensional expression of dark raspberries crushed flowers licorice and spices. I especially like the way this blossoms through the mid-palate and onto the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. No one has done more to carry the banner for the Santa Rita Hills than Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. Both together at Brewer-Clifton and separately in their other projects Brewer and Clifton consistently deliver delicious wines that are also deeply thought provoking with regards to the potential these vineyard sites hold. The Pinots in particular are compelling. The 2009 Pinots saw a seven day cold soak and fermentations that lasted a total of 35-40 days with 100% stems. -AG

Dried cherry pomegranate seed mild herbs and licorice permeate the nose while the palate entry shows black cherry and dried cranberry infused with menthol and olives. A spicy streak follows with a strut of pepper cardamom and anise kicking in on the finish along with an ample amount of tannins. The abundant acids keep the structured fruit in check. This is still an infant and will need another 6-9 months to develop niceley and then should drink well over a 3 to 5 year span. Veering away from the path of overextracted Santa Rita fruit bombs this is a mélange of seductive spice which shows itself to be quite cellar worthy!