2019 Estate Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The Hilt's Estate Pinot, a blend from Radian and Bentrock Vineyards, has it both ways—generosity of fruit with earthy, savoury layers. Loam opens on the nose, immediately followed by hints of rose petal, brambleberry, and mushroom. A burst of bright raspberry on the first sip, edged with orange zest, toggles over to herbal and saline notes, with velvet textures belying plenty of tannin. This one is fresh and elegant.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
South-western corner of the Sta Rita Hills. Ageing: 8% new French oak, 92% neutral French oak for 11 months. Savoury, saline notes on the palate. Smooth, ripe tannins, enough acidity. Quite open and appealing now, probably already at optimum. Enjoyable and rounded. Long aftertaste. (AWH)
The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate is a gorgeous introduction to the vintage at The Hilt. Pliant and layered, the 2019 is a very serious wine at this level. Dark red cherry/plum, spice and lavender are all perked up by the wine's brightness. The 2019 is appealing and quite accessible, but it has a good deal of grip, too. Time in the glass brings out its captivating inner perfume. This is very nicely done.
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.
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.