2016 The Hilt Vanguard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chardonnay Vanguard aged 11 months in 85% new French oak before finishing in stainless steel for six months. It opens minerally with scents of crushed shell, smoke and gunflint, slowly giving up lime pith, orange blossom, hazelnut, pastry crust and stone fruits. It's vibrant and minerally in the mouth, with light to medium weight, tangy acidity and a chalky texture, finishing long. 497 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Vanguard comes from some of the younger vines and sees more new oak, with the goal of making a distinctly different wine than the Old Guard release. Despite the new barrels, you wouldn’t know it by tasting the wine, which offers classic notes of citrus blossom, buttered toast, spice, and crushed mint. With medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless texture, no hard edges, and vibrant acidity, it's a total gem in the vintage. Drink it any time over the coming decade.
The 2016 Chardonnay Vanguard is gorgeous. Specifically, in 2016, the Vanguard is a bit more pulled back and restrained than it often is. Apricot, chamomile, almond and a touch of new French oak are some of the many signatures that shape this attractive, enticing Chardonnay from The Hilt. Bright citrus and floral notes add tension to the energetic finish.
The Hilt's 2016 Chardonnay Vanguard opens with striking aromatics. A kiss of new oak, lightly tropical fruit, wild flowers and chamomile give the wine its soft, caressing personality. Fruit sources are Bentrock, Sanford & Benedict, Radian, Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills.
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.