2012 The Hilt Old Guard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
Possessing additional minerality, the 2012 Pinot Noir Old Guard is also firm and structured, with earthy dark fruits, underbrush, herbs and ample spice all emerging from the glass. Spending 11 months in 30% new French oak, with the balance all in neutral oak, it’s a medium to full-bodied, concentrated and perfectly balanced Pinot that needs another year or two in bottle, but will have 10-15 years of overall longevity. One of the top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in Santa Barbara County, The Hilt is managed by the team at Jonata, with up-and-coming superstar winemaker Matt Dees making the wines. They two Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in each vintage, a younger vine cuvee, the Vanguard, and an old vine cuvee, the Old Guard. Both are superb and if you have any interest in Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, you need to check out these wines! Tel. (805) 564 8581; www.thehiltwines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Lavender, violets, menthol, rose petals and spice notes burst from the glass in the 2012 Pinot Noir The Old Guard, a wine that brings together considerable freshness to balance the juiciness and intensity of the dark fruit. The 2012 is mostly Sanford and Benedict, with a dollop (8%) of Bien Nacido fruit.
The 2012 Pinot Noir Old Guard possesses marvelous power and tension to complement the textured fruit. In 2012, the Pinots aren't as different stylistically as they are in 2011, at least today. The 2012 is 92% Sanford & Benedict (Mt. Eden clone) and 8% Bien Nacido (Pommard clone). The 2011 Old Guard is aging in 70% neutral and 30% new French oak barrels.
About the producer
The Hilt is the Santa Rita Hills project owned by sports and property mogul billionaire Stan Kroenke, who also owns Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley and the Jonata estate in the California’s Ballard Canyon AVA.