Another challenging vintage has resulted in an underwhelming 2011 Chardonnay Mt. Carmel Vineyard. Coming in at 13.2% natural alcohol (the lowest of any Mt. Carmel Chardonnay), it exhibits lots of tropical fruit as well as a hint of damp earth, but the wine lacks complexity, subtlety and the richness one expects from Brewer-Clifton wines. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

One of the lightest-styled Mt. Carmel Chardonnays was produced in 2010, a year when the vineyard was badly impacted by frost early in the season. Lots of damp earth as well as a hint of roasted almonds and citrus are found in this medium-bodied, Chablis-styled Chardonnay. Essentially, it is a disappointment for Greg Brewer and Steve Clifton. Drink it now.

Coming in at 14% alcohol, the 2009 Mt. Carmel Chardonnay exhibits excellent tropical fruit notes intermixed with notions of lemon oil and beeswax. Good minerality is obvious in this lower alcohol wine along with plenty of citrus, white peach and white currant fruit, and a hint of quince. This medium-bodied Chardonnay should drink well for another decade.