Vineyard: Mount Carmel

AppellationSta. Rita Hills
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2014 Sandhi Mt. Carmel Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 367 cases, $55. Sourced from an organically farmed vineyard planted in 1991 and is located below Rita’s Crown and above Sea Smoke. · Light garnet color in the glass. More mainstream in style with little whole cluster character. Aromas of cherry and earthy flora lead to a mid weight style with a discreetly sappy core of black cherry fruit that is nicely spiced. Nicely put together, with noticeable length and juicy cut on the refreshing finish. Score: 91. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Sandhi Mt. Carmel Vineyard Old Vines Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 68 cases, $90. Sourced from an own-rooted block planted in 1990. Yields are barely 1 ton per acre. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Nicely appointed aromas of purple berries, spice, mulch and marzipan. The mid weight flavors of boysenberry and plum have noticeably more layers of flavor and more pedigree. Silken in the mouth, with ideal integration of acidity, a respectful hint of oak, a tannic structure that predicts age ability and an appealing savory whole cluster overlay. Score: 93. Reviewed May 7, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

13.3% alc., 750 cases, $52. · Medium burnished gold color in the glass. Aromas of apple, pear, hazelnut and butter. Soft in the mouth, finishing crisp with enticing flavors of honeyed pear, green apple, kiwi and roasted nuts. Good (+). Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.9% alc., 882 cases, $56. Steep slopes of botella clay, diatomite and limestone planted to a quintet of Pinot Noir clones with diverse spacing. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose is remarkably nuanced, offering scents of fresh raspberry coulis, fragrant tea, dark red rose petals and spice. Rich and sumptuous on the palate, replete with a delicious core of black raspberry and dark red berry fruit that is looking for attention but still encased in tannins. Very impressive mid palate statement that carries over to the big finish that is sure to get better over time. The least approachable wine in the lineup at this time, but this wine has a very bright future. Reviewed February 22, 2012 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Sta. Rita Hills Chardonnay

14.6% alc., 480 cases, $65, wax closure. Planted in 1991 by Ron and Nancy Piazza, this monopole vineyard is overseen by vineyard manager, Francisco Ramirez. Of the twenty acre parcel, six are planted to the Wente clone. · Clear, straw color in the class. Restrained aromas of white peaches, roasted nuts and brioche. Appetizing peach and lemon fruit with a hint of papaya and noticeable citrus peel on the steely finish. Seamless with faint tannin and admirable persistence on the finish. Very good. Reviewed August 24, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2005 Brewer-Clifton Mount Carmel Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

15.6% alc., 911 cases, $60. Mount Carmel was originally planted in 1991 by Paul Albrecht and Ron Piazza. This 20-acre vineyard, planted on Botella clay, diatomite and limestone, is now farmed by Brewer-Clifton’s vineyard management team. Clones are Dijon 115 and Mount Eden. · The nose offers darker fruits enhanced with floral notes, green veggie scents and new-mown hay aromas with a hint of alcohol. Linear dark fruit on the palate which is earthy and nicely balanced by lively acidity. On the lighter side and appealingly smooth with soft tannins and a clean finish. Reviewed October 1, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2004 Babcock Mount Carmel Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $72 (on wine list). · This was a terrific wine and even Zorro liked it. This was saying a lot, for it was a wine of finesse and elegance, so frequent in Pinot Noir, but unheard of in a Zin. It was beautifully balanced with a lengthy finish of hi-tone juicy cherries and cinnamon delivered with perky acidity. Amazingly pure and refined and a perfect accompaniment to lunch. I am looking to purchase some. Reviewed October 15, 2006 WINERY » ARTICLE »