2018 Brewer Clifton Machado Pinot Noir

96 POINTS

Matt Kettmann - Wine Enthusiast

Joyous and aromatically arresting scents of creamy black cherry, black raspberry, licorice and black cardamom grab hold of the nose and don't waver on this bottling. Deep and dark fruit flavors mix with hints of dank herb, tarragon and even cannabis on the palate, where the acidity is penetrating and persistent.

95 POINTS

Wine Spectator

Complex, with lithe minerality and rich savoriness to the concentrated raspberry, red plum and currant flavors, backed by crunchy acidity. Delicate and well-spiced on the pure-tasting finish. Drink now through 2026. 676 cases made.

95 POINTS

Erin Brooks - The Wine Advocate

The 2018 Pinot Noir Machado has a medium ruby color and deep, layered aromas of pure violet, garrigue, laurel, aniseed and forest floor, seamlessly accenting a core of black and red berries. The palate is medium-bodied with loads of lift and silkiness, elegantly fruited and with a long, ethereal finish. 675 cases produced.

92 POINTS

Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous

A powerful, intense wine, the 2018 Pinot Noir Machado has a lot of depth, but it is also not ready to show all its cards yet. Potent tannins wrap around a core of dark fruit, leather, menthol and tobacco. The Machado is a wine of real substance, bit it will be a few years before the 2018 is at its most expressive and rewarding to drink.