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Palmina
www.palminawines.com
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Chrystal and Steve Clifton
Chrystal and Steve Clifton
Country of Origin: USA
Location: Santa Rita Hills
People: Steve & Chrystal Clifton, Owners | Steve Clifton, Winemaker


Steve Clifton, winemaker and owner, produced the first Palmina wines in the basement of his home in 1995. His career in the wine industry had begun in 1992 when he left his previous incarnations as a musician and nightclub entrepreneur behind and decided to beg his way into a tasting room position. Little by little he forced his way into the cellar and in time Steve worked his way up to assistant winemaker under Stephan Bedford. Over the next few years Steve's on the job schooling would include production and winemaking positions at many Santa Barbara wineries. He also managed a retail store attaining valuable sale and marketing experience.

In 1995, Steve met Greg Brewer and formed the partnership that has become Brewer-Clifton, a winery solely devoted to vineyard-designate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Rita Hills appellation. While Steve shares a phenomenal passion for Burgundian varietals with his partner Greg, he came to his love for wine from Italian grape varietals not only by the inspiration from a trip to Italy, but while working at an Italian restaurant in Laguna Beach. While tasting many wines, he realized the immense similarities between his favorite Barolos and Barbarescos and the red Burgundies. Palmina is a passion project devoted to producing exclusively Italian varietal wines.

In 2000, Chrystal joined the Palmina family and has become involved in all aspects of the growing business. Working side by side with Steve through harvest, handling the bulk of the administrative duties and providing immeasurable inspiration, Chrystal completes the Palmina picture. Educated at the University of Bologna and fluent in Italian, Chrystal is invaluable in forging the relationships with wine producers in Italy which have supplied phenomenal insight in forming Palmina's philosophy and style. Steve and Chrystal were married in Friuli, Italy (where else) in the Spring of 2004.

All Palmina wines are vegetarian. No egg or fish products are used.



Media Links
Santa Barbara Independent The Power of Palmina
Items
Palmina 2011 Botasea Rosato, Santa Barbara Net Price — —
Palmina 2010 Arneis, Honea Vineyard Net Price — —
Palmina 2011 Arneis, Honea Vineyard Net Price — — New!
Palmina (19.6 L) 2011 Arneis Net Price — —
Palmina (19.6 L) Bianco Unico (Keg) Net Price — —
Palmina 2012 Pinot Grigio, Santa Barbara Net Price — —
Palmina 2009 'Subida' Tocai Friulano Net Price Reviews Downloads
Palmina 2010 Barbera, Santa Barbara Net Price Reviews —
Palmina 2011 Dolcetto, Santa Barbara Net Price — —
Palmina 2007 Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara Net Price Reviews —
Palmina (19.6 L) Rosso Raro (Keg) Net Price — —
Palmina 2008 'Undici' Sangiovese, Honea Vineyard Net Price Reviews —
Reviews
Palmina 2007 Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara
Rating: 91

Bright red. Cherry and rose aromas are complicated by notes of vanilla and peppery spices. Lively red fruit and floral pastille flavors are given spine by tangy acidity and pick up weight with air. The cherry note resonates on the long, sappy, gently spicy finish

- International Wine Cellar (11/1/2011)

Palmina 2007 Nebbiolo, Santa Barbara
Rating: 90

The 2007 Nebbiolo is a blend of fruit sourced from Sisquoc Vineyard planted with the Michet clone (60%) and from Stolpman Vineyard planted with the Lampia clone (40%). It possesses striking dark fruit and plenty of varietal character, but with an extra degree of textural density from these Central Coast sites. It is one of the finest Italian-varietal wines I have tasted in California. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015

- The Wine Advocate (8/1/2011)

Palmina 2008 'Undici' Sangiovese, Honea Vineyard
Rating: 91

Deep ruby. Complex, high-toned scents of dried cherry, botanical herbs, rose and Asian spices, with a smoky overtone. Bitter cherry and licorice flavors pick up sweetness with air and show very good intensity and focus. The cherry and herb notes repeat on the very long, sappy, penetrating finish. Pretty wild stuff

- International Wine Cellar (11/1/2011)

Palmina 2009 'Subida' Tocai Friulano
Rating: 91

Bright gold. Bee pollen and pit fruit aromas expand with air, picking up notes of anise and candied ginger. Broad and juicy on the palate, offering intense pear and peach flavors and notes of honeysuckle and bitter herbs. Finishes on a spicy note, with very good clarity and a touch of green tea

- International Wine Cellar (11/1/2011)

Palmina 2009 'Subida' Tocai Friulano
Rating: 92

The 2009 Subida Natural Friulano Honea Vineyard is named after one of Friuli's very finest restaurants (where Clifton was married) and is inspired by the •orange' wines that are so dear to the heart of proprietor Josko Sirk. The Subida is Tocai that spent 46 days on its skins in a wood vat and was pressed directly into barrel with no SO2. It possesses gorgeous layers of perfumed fruit and striking textural richness. This is a jewel of a wine. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. I can't think of anyone who has done more to promote Italian varieties in California than Steve Clifton with his Palmina label. I admit I was intrigued with these offerings, and came away deeply impressed with most of what I tasted. I am still not 100% convinced all of these grapes have significant potential in California, but most of them do. Some of the wines remain works in progress, including the Lagrein and Sangiovese Undici

- The Wine Advocate (8/1/2011)

Palmina 2010 Barbera, Santa Barbara
Rating: 91

Vivid ruby. Heady, flamboyantly perfumed bouquet evokes candied red fruits, potpourri and anise, with a spicy overtone. Silky, palate-caressing raspberry and cherry flavors show impressive vivacity and become spicier with air. Shows excellent clarity and power on the finish, which is all about sappy red fruits and flowers. This wine's nose alone is worth the price of admission.

- International Wine Cellar (11/30/2012)

Palmina 2010 Barbera, Santa Barbara
Rating: 89

Palmina’s 2010 Barbera is just gorgeous. Expressive red berries literally burst from the glass as this juicy Barbera shows off its considerable appeal. Perfumed notes are woven throughout, adding lift and finesse, yet this remains a sensual, fruit-driven Barbera. Ideally, the 2010 is best enjoyed over the next few years, while the fruit is retains its juiciness. Steve Clifton gave the Barbera seven months in neutral French oak barrels followed by a year in large cask. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016.

Interestingly, Steve Clifton takes an entirely different approach with Palmina than he does at Brewer-Clifton. Whereas the Brewer-Clifton wines are much more technical and controlled in their precision, at Palmina, Clifton favors natural yeasts and follows a more hands-off approach. Clifton is equally adept with both styles, something that says a lot about his natural talent.  

- The Wine Advocate (8/31/2012)