Dear Brewer-Clifton,
Welcome to Japan!
Our visit to the Brewer-Clifton Winery in Lompoc in 2002 proved to be such a revelation and unforgettable experience that we immediately founded the '"Brewer Clifton Fan Club "(BCFC) and have savored your wines with great enjoyment ever since. We are very excited about your trip to Japan, and it is an even greater pleasure that we will be able to meet once again. In anticipation of your arrival, and the exciting release of the 2002 vintage, we decided to have a party to celebrate your trip to Japan.
The ten of us had you entire lineup of ten wines, We all had a wonderful time and a great tasting experience. And needless to say, the wines were as spectacular as ever. The following is a list of the wines we had.
1. Ashley's, Chardonnay
Round, pure and clean acidity. Very smooth, elegant and immediately enjoyable. A great wine, and a type of wine that I really like.
This wine was served with Gelee of scallops, avocado and okra, topped with spring flowers and Parmesan cheese. This went spectacularly well with the soft comforting flavours of the Asheley's Chardonnay. A great way to kick off the party.
2. Melville, Chardonnay
From Chardonnay Clone #76 planted in the Melville Vineyard. Slightly reserved on the nose at first, but airing reveals aromas of new oak, flowers and sweet tropical fruit. Big, thick, with great presence on the palate, but gracefully concealing its 14.9% alcohol. If the Aleley's was like a wine representative of spring, this was more like early summer with a floral breeze. The aromas reminded me of Viognier, and the texture had the thickness and roundeur of the greatest Sake from Echigo. This was also very good with food.
3. Clos Pepe, Chardonnay
Only 96 cases produced! Fresh aromas reminiscent of lemons. Slight residual CO2 noticeable at first. Very fresh and cute, and yet this wine tips the scales at 15.5%. This has the sweetness and slight minerally bitterness that is not unlike Riesling. But it was a big surprise, considering that German and French Rieslings often do not reach12.5% alcohol.
4. Mount Carmel, Chardonnay
I was told that this was from a hillside vineyard, looking down at the Sanford Winery, with constant ocean breezes sweeping through the vineyard, which thickens the skins, and increases concentration and extract levels. Confident, deep color, with powerful fruit aromas, mixed with new oak. A Chardonnay with loads of character in a distinctly powerful, Californian style. Yet, this is an "A student" with impeccable balance.
5. Sweeney Canyon, Chardonnay
I was waiting for this! As I had anticipated, this is absolutely stunning. Aromas of grapefruit, honey, and citrus fruit jam. Huge, voluminous, yet minerally. The flavor is just perfect. A serious wine with great cut and thrust. This is great stuff, and in a class of its own. A special and complete wine. This is great to taste now, but I would like to try another bottle in about three years. This was served with salad of red leaf lettuce, peas and duck. Authoritative Chardonnays like this is a good match with duck.
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6. Rozak Ranch, Pinot Noir
Round acids, sweet and soft. The inner mouth aromas were somewhat reminiscent of a Pommard. And yes I heard these were made from Pommard clones.
7. Asheley's, Pinot Noir
2002 was the first release of this wine. Bright and clear colors that are very Pinot-like. Ostentatious and fashionable. Really tasty, and reminded me of a top notch domaine Burgundy. Along with the Asheley's Chardonnay, this was very popular among the tasters on this day. I was really happy that I was able to purchase this one!
8. Clos Pepe, Pinot Noir
Dark, syrah-like color. I was already quite tipsy when I had this wine, and forgot to take any notes on it. I just remember that it was delicious. This was served with rump of beef with sauteed foie gras and mushroom sauce made from red wine, honey and fond de veau. This was an excellent pairing with these fruit-packed Pinot Noirs. Only 48 cases produced!
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9. Melville, Pinot Noir
And now, the famous Melville. Made from Clones 114 and 115. We visited this vineyard during out tour. Soft but plentiful tannins. Long flavours, and juicy flavours that just keep on oozing out. Robert Parker rated the 2000, 96 points and the 2001, 95 points, and prices went through the roof. I can understand why this has become a Pinot Noir that represents California. Hats off, and congratulations!
10. Cargasacchi
This vineyard has been getting a lot of attention. Very distinctive, with good thickness and sweetness of fruit. Dense, thick and packed with fruit, with elegant acids. Gentle mouthfeel. Some opined that this wine should be kept a little longer.
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General impressions of the members.
-We really want to push the Clos Pepe. Both the white and red had great cut and vibrant acidity.
-Many of us were hung over the next day with such powerful wines. I was already buzzed by the time we finished the Chardonnays. I calculated at home and found that the average alcohol content was a formidable 14.78%. With so much flavor intensity on top of that, I wasnﾕt surprised that people would get intoxicated. I personally was very fond of the gentle Asheley's.-Perhaps, white wines do not necessarily have to be served before red. The last two white wines were so distinctive and explosive that I thought they should have been served after some of the gentler reds.
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Steve and Greg,
We are really looking forward to seeing you in Japan, and we also look forward to seeing even more of your wonderful wines in the future, and wish you the best.
Best wishes ,
BCFC members
●飲んだ日 2004/1/17 ●スコア 20/20 飲んだ場所： California Wine Garden !! Thank you for nice dishes!!
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