2012 The Hilt Chardonnay Old Guard
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Tasting notes
The old vine cuvee, the 2012 Chardonnay Old Guard comes from the same vineyards, yet slightly older vines, and is aged in 80% neutral French oak and 20% stainless steel barrel. Slightly more rich and textured than the Vanguard, but not as focused, it thrills with its apple blossom, citrus rind, white flowers and big minerality. Opening up beautifully in the glass, with medium to full-bodied richness, vibrant acidity and a great finish, it too is a rock-star Chardonnay from this team that will evolve nicely for 5-7 years. 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
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A brighter, more mineral-inflected set of aromas and flavors emerges from the 2012 Chardonnay The Old Guard. Tension and energy are the signatures in a Chardonnay that impresses for its crystalline fruit and total sense of transparency, something that is quite rare in this vintage. Slate, mint and white flowers all add nuance to the vibrant fruit. Both 2012 Chardonnays are 75% Solomon Hills and 25% Sanford & Benedict, but the Old Guard has a little more stainless steel influence and less complete malolactic fermentation.
The Hilt's 2012 Chardonnay Old Guard is one of the most beautiful California Chardonnays I have tasted in a long time. The warmer vintage has given the 2012 a little extra depth and textural richness, but without overpowering the wine. This highly promising Chardonnay is pure finesse. In a word: dazzling. The 2012 was aged 80% in neutral oak and 20% in steel, with partial malolactic fermentation (10%) and weekly batonnage.
The old vine cuvee, the 2012 Chardonnay Old Guard comes from the same vineyards, yet slightly older vines, and is aged in 80% neutral French oak and 20% stainless steel barrel. Slightly more rich and textured than the Vanguard, but not as focused, it thrills with its apple blossom, citrus rind, white flowers and big minerality. Opening up beautifully in the glass, with medium to full-bodied richness, vibrant acidity and a great finish, it too is a rock-star Chardonnay from this team that will evolve nicely for 5-7 years. Aug 2014, www.robertparker.com
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.