Clifton Jackson

9.1

Clifton had this 5 years ago

with Erin

Clifton Jackson

9.1

A shocking surprise that the cork was sufficiently intact to provide a quality wine experience ... no corking, and improved immensely over the hour while four of us sipped it. The wine had more acidity than expected, but very light on tannins and fruit ... a lot of cedar I might say, but enjoyable to see how it evolved in the glass! I’d owned the wine since 1970, with storage limited to cool basements in different houses, but no “cooking” experiences. I was hopeful since there had been no wine leakage, and the level was only 0.5” into the shoulder, but we were all still surprised. No cork debris at all went into the bottle, and upon decanting, sediment levels were revealed as extremely low. Great fun for all! Tasted with Florence Jackson and Tom and Renee Stevenson! — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.5

One of the best California Chards that I’ve tasted. Opens with a subtle minerality that softens to a rich fruit fullness of lemongrass and cardamom that is perfectly accented by the mild French oak, maybe up to 50% new. This is a wine that seems to truly express its terroir ... I need to get more of this!!! — 7 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.2

One of my favorite Sta. Rita Hills vineyards ... needed an hour to open up to a classic CA -style Pinot, with solid dark fruits and acid, but a little barnyard as a nod to its European heritage. 2017 vintage ... — 5 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.5

My wife and I enjoyed this sparkling Blanc de Blanc/Noir with two close friends (Tom and Renee Stevenson) on our deck looking out on the water near St. Michaels, MD. The wine exploded into a creamy flood of aromatic bubbles with every sip, and proved the perfect foil for the dazzling array of both creamy and firm cheeses that our friends, both French Champagne lovers, knew would complement it. Gloria Ferrer is always a favorite stop when we visit the Napa/Sonoma area, both for the quality and diversity of their wine offerings, and the warm friendliness of the greeting that they always provide on their gorgeous elevated patio! — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.3

A benchmark for the best aspects of the California Chardonnay style. Fruit forward of course, but well balanced by acidity, and with an interesting terroir-driven minerality. Modest oak adds interest but only as an accent. — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.4

The nose initially had an interesting restrained spiciness, which evolved slowly in the glass to be dominated by a fruit-tinged (strawberry?) earthiness. I was expecting a similarly restrained palate, and was very surprised when it burst forth with a pure and bright red fruitiness, supported by solid cherry notes on the periphery. Very unique, at least relative to the CA Pinots that I have tasted, and very enjoyable! — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

8.9

Opened up slowly ... forest floor with mushrooms on the nose, mineral driven palate, with light cherry undertones. Light is my take away ... not the density / intensity of flavors that I love, but a well done food friendly effort. — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.1

Surprisingly earthy yet with a solid fruit core. I’ve not in general been a fan of Oregon’s Pinots, but this one will make me take a second look. — 6 years ago

Clifton Jackson

9.2

Clifton had this 7 years ago