The Hilt : Estate Pinot Noir 2018

The richness and balance of a California Pinot Noir wine by The Hilt

The estate

Owned by Stan Kroenke, who also owns the iconic Screaming Eagle estate and Domaine Bonneau du Martray in Burgundy, The Hilt Estate is an exceptional property located in the American Viticultural Area (AVA) of Sta. Rita Hills Valley in Santa Barbara County on the California Central Coast. Since 2004, the renowned Californian oenologist, Matt Dees, has been in charge of the vinification of the estate's wines. The Hilt stands out particularly for its Burgundian-inspired wines that highlight the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties.

The vineyard

The Hilt is located in Rancho Salsipuedes, on a complex terroir with a wide variety of soils and microclimates. The Hilt is divided into 3 vineyards: Radian, Bentrock and Puerta del Mar. Located in the southwest of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, these three vineyards benefit from a maritime influence due to their proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

Vinification and ageing

This 2018 Estate Pinot Noir by The Hilt is aged in French oak barrels (8% new barrels and 92% neutral barrels) for 11 months.

The blend

100% Pinot Noir.

The tasting

Nose

Racy and expressive, the nose mixes red fruit and spice fragrances (clove, green pepper) with notes of incense, blood orange and black tea. As the wine is aired, notes of sage, rosemary, menthol and elderberry are revealed.

Palate

Complex and brilliant, the palate is seduced by this wine’s notes of red fruit, its balance and its structure combined with very fine tannins.