The Hilt The Old Guard Pinot Noir 2011
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As it is poured, it immediately fills the room with explosive notes of perfumed red fruit, ground white peppercorns, candied strawberries and dried tobacco. The nose is highlighted by a pretty touch of matchstick, ash and allspice. Reserved and tight at first, but with time in glass it shows off a velvet-like texture of fresh raspberry fruit. The tobacco note is reminiscent of chewing on a Cohiba cigar. Perfect amount of vinous stem character and typical earthy notes of the old vines. A tightly coiled wine that is framed by refreshing acidity and benefits greatly from decanting (or cellaring). Like a classical music piece that builds slowly from an ethereal whisper to a full sweeping symphony. A complete and stunning wine that speaks volumes of the power and reserve of the old vines.
Other Vintages
2017-
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
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Jeb
Dunnuck -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker
Wines defined by place, style and time. In the southwest corner of Sta. Rita Hills AVA lies a rugged, windswept, coastal vineyard, called The Hilt Estate; estate grower producer of stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reflective of this dynamic corner of California.
Pushing the limits; in the farthest southwest reach of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is home to Radian & Bentrock Vineyards, these vineyards dictate The Hilt style.
The numerous microclimates and unique soils provide a multilayered backdrop to create 3 unique expressions: Estate, The Guards, and Single Vineyards.
In 2014, Matt Dees, Ruben Solorzano & team took on operation and farming of Radian and Bentrock Vineyards and shifted to precise sustainable & organic farming to transform and revitalize the soil.
Pinot Noir is the second-most planted grape in Santa Barbara County, just behind Chardonnay. It thrives in cooler areas of the region, namely in the of the Sta. Rita Hills, which is part of Santa Barbara’s larger Santa Ynez Valley sub-appellation. Thought for decades to be too cool for viticulture, Sta. Rita Hills began to gain notoriety in the 1970’s, thanks to the pioneering work of Richard Sandford and Michael Benedict, among others.
Santa Barbara Pinot Noir dances across the palate with vivid red fruit and spice. Precision, bright acidity, elegance and fruit-driven silkiness make Santa Barbara Pinot delightfully enjoyable, whether on their own or with a variety of dishes.