2017 The Hilt Chardonnay Old Guard
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Tasting notes
Possessing a hint of green in its gold color, the 2017 Chardonnay Old Guard comes from the oldest vines on the property and is brought up in neutral oak. It offers a racy bouquet of salted citrus, sliced apple, crushed mint, and lots of stony minerality. This carries to a tight, racy, yet concentrated Chardonnay that has terrific balance as well as length. Hide bottles for 3-4 years and it should cruise in cool cellars. The big news with these The Hilt releases is the addition of two new single vineyard Pinot Noirs, Radian and Bentrock. As usual, winemaker Matt Dees has turned out a brilliant lineup of wines in both 2017 and 2018.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Chardonnay Old Guard is bright and translucent, with good energy. Citrus peel, crushed rocks and white flowers add character in what is a decidedly crystalline style. Here, too, the wine is a bit less expressive and layered than the norm. The 2017 is a blend of 70% Solomon Hills, 20% Bien Nacido and 10% Sanford & Benedict.
The 2017 Chardonnay Old Guard, aged 11 months in neutral barrels, opens with a touch of gunflint and toast over nectarine, crushed stone and lime peel with a peachy core. Light to medium-bodied, it offers a good core of fruit, tangy acidity and a long, minerally finish. A bright, tense and lively style. 259 cases produced.
The Hilt's 2017 Chardonnay Old Guard offers a good bit of freshness that serves to play off the natural richness of the year. Crushed rocks, slate and a host of citrus-driven notes inform a Chardonnay that is built to showcase energy and tension.
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.