When it was first released, I rated this 2000 90 points and suggested it be drunk in its first 4-5 years of life. However, it’s still going strong at age 13 and seems as vibrant and youthful as it was when I first tasted it in 2002. Abundant honeysuckle, orange marmalade, citrus oil and roasted hazelnut aromas jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied Chardonnay. It possesses 14.9% natural alcohol, and while it appears fully mature, it is in no danger of falling apart, and should continue to drink well for 5-8+ years.

The 2000 Chardonnay Mount Carmel Vineyard exhibits buttery, caramel, and honeysuckle-like fruit intermixed with subtle wood. The wine is well-formed, full-bodied, and seriously concentrated. It should drink well for 4-5 years. This is a wine of two up and coming California superstars. Don't miss it. The talented Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton have admirably exploited the extraordinary potential that exists in selected micro-climates in Santa Barbara county. In a few short years, this young, energetic twosome have astonished this critic with the breadth and complexity of their wines. Tel. (805) 452-5609