Brewer-Clifton Sparkling Chardonnay

Brewer-Clifton 3-D Sparkling Chardonnay 2011: It’s that bubbly time of year, and what better way to pop your tops than with a sparkler grown in the nearby Sta. Rita Hills and made in Lompoc?

This tightly focused, briskly dry chardonnay by Brewer-Clifton from the 3-D Vineyard, located in the heart of the appellation between Lafond and Ampelos, delivers apple scents on front end of a fruit-driven nose, with the traditional yeasty and tart citrus elements emerging once sipped. It’s refreshing and versatile, excellent to pair with fancy food like oysters and scallops, but equally able to tackle late night pizza when the ball finally drops.

See brewerclifton.com.