The Hilt is a project by the owners of Screaming Eagle producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that's truly exceptional. They selected vineyards in the Sta. Rita Hills for their estate. The Hilt Estate is made up of three distinct vineyards: Bentrock, Radian, and Puerta del Mar. The two distinct ridges, Bentrock and Radian, define the property and are the primary sources for all our wines. These ridges include an extensive range of altitudes, mesoclimates, hours of sunshine, and soil types.
Each vineyard parcel on The Hilt Estate is unique, all share three highly desirable characteristics. First, our grapevines do not have the easy life of plants grown in fertile soil; poor soils force the vines to send their roots deep in search of nutrients, resulting in better fruit. Second, our plentiful sunlight and maritime climate, with its strong winds and cool days and nights, means that grapes ripen slowly while retaining their acidity. Finally, our vines are carefully selected for low vigor, to produce grapes with concentrated, complex flavors. The estate is planted with a diverse selection of clonal materials, from which Matt Dees chooses the Pinot Noir grapes to create The Hilt’s wines.
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate is also terrific and shows the classy, medium-bodied, fresher style favored by this estate. Bright cherry, darker raspberry, flower, and violet notes all define this wonderfully complete, balanced, elegant Pinot Noir. It’s going to keep for at least 7-8 years, and probably over a decade.
93 Points James Suckling
Hibiscus with oranges, walnuts and white pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a fresh, vivid finish. Linear and spicy at the end with cloves and white pepper. Drink or hold.
Alcohol % | 14.0% |
---|---|
Vintage | 2019 |
Varietal | Pinot Noir |
Region | California |
Country | United States |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Type | Red |
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