2023 Steve Clifton Chardonnay, Old Vine Bien Nacido Vyd
Steve began his winemaking in the Sta. Rita Hills when he created Palmina in 1995, but it was his founding of Brewer-Clifton with Greg Brewer that established his touch with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals. While much of his winemaking today again focuses on Italian varietals such as our own Moretti wines, when he gets access to stellar fruit he dusts off the eponymous Steve Clifton label to share those wines with the world. Such is the case with the 2023 Old Vine Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vyd, sourced from the world-renowned K Block vines planted in 1972! Showing typical old-vine characteristics of salted ripe fruit, a softly rounded palate and minutes-long lingering meringue, you will be blown away by this bottling. Just 100 cases produced - drink now through 2035.
Steve began his own wine production with Palmina in 1995, dedicated solely to Italian grape varietals. At the same time he formed a partnership with Greg Brewer and founded Brewer-Clifton producing exclusively Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Both wineries have garnered international acclaim and accolades. Now primarily focused on Italian blends at Vega, he occassionally gets access to stellar fruit and will release those wines under the eponymous Steve Clifton label.
