Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 3D 2017

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "One of the larger production single vineyards as well as the only one to go out to distribution, the 2017 Chardonnay 3D comes from a more easterly site that was planted in 2007. It's a richer Chardonnay and offers an ethereal, gorgeously pure bouquet of caramelized citrus, white flowers, pineapple, honeysuckle, and toasted bread. Beautifully layered, seamless, and polished, with medium to full-bodied richness, it's another rocking effort. Drink: 2019-2034. (10/31/19)"

95 points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Chardonnay 3D has a wonderfully open nose of honey-drizzled hazelnut, sweet hay, warm peach and nectarine with white blossoms, a hint of chamomile, red apple skin and a strong line of crushed rock minerality. It's medium to full-bodied and juicy with tons of ripe, honeyed fruits that segue back to lime skin and crushed stone on the very long, energetic finish. About 750 cases are available. Drink: 2020-2030. (Sep 2019)"

94 points and 'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "Sleek, with powerful minerality to the pure-tasting flavors of pear tart, apple pastry and peach. Rich lemon curd accents fill in midpalate and linger on the spicy and well-framed finish. Drink now through 2025. 800 cases made. (12/15/19)"

94 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2017 Chardonnay 3D is the most overt and tropical of the four wines in the range, the 3-D will appeal most to readers who enjoy richer, more flamboyant wines. Tangerine, hazelnut, smoke, pineapple and buttery notes are front and center in this decidedly exotic, viscous Chardonnay. Drink: 2019-2027. (Sep 2019)"

93 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "This bottling's nose is delicate yet focused with aromas of lemon blossoms, lemon candy, lemon balm and lemon verbena, as well as a touch of nectarine. The sip snaps with green-citrus flavors of grapefruit before warming up toward brioche with lemon filling, all surrounding lively acidity and compelling texture. Drink now–2032. Alcohol 14.5%. (Sep 2019)"

Producer notes: "3D was the first vineyard planted by their estate farming team in 2007. While the majority of the nine acre parcel substantiates their Sta. Rita Hills bottling, this effort is sourced entirely from the bottom portion of the field. Mirroring the body of a fish, we planted leaner/firmer clones at the top of the vineyard leading down to more fleshy/oily selections at the lower section where the sand turns a bit darker. Wente and Mount Eden selections are, as such, congruous with Chotoro and Otoro within the body of a tuna. Barrel fermented in their oldest barrels where the wine remains on non-disturbed lees for sixteen months. Similar in spirit to the Sta. Rita Hills yet with more exuberant aromatics coupled with a more luxurious and oily mouthfeel."