2013 | The Hilt | Vanguard Pinot Noir

Dark and vinous. Driven by black fruit and spice, cigar and smoke. Loads of black licorice, cracked black pepper and black cherries. Exotic aromas of wild fire through chaparral. Resinous and vinous. Cherry liquor and enough fruit sweetness to stand up to the big and chalky tannins of the 2013 vintage. Notes of dried leaves and sage on the finish followed by tannins that fill the palate with lovely dusty notes of cigar and baking spices.

Reviews:

• Wine Advocate: Slightly backwards, tight and racy, the 2013 Pinot Noir Vanguard's ruby, semi-opaque color is followed by outstanding notes of rose petals, mint, sappy herbs and lively raspberry and strawberry-scented fruit. Medium-bodied and racy on the palate, with bright acidity, it needs a year or two in the cellar to fill out, but should have a long life. The elevage here is 11 months in 40% new French oak, with the balance in neutral oak.

• Vinous: Dark, pliant and seductive, the 2013 Pinot Noir Vanguard wraps around the palate with striking depth and pure textural richness. Smoke, tobacco, licorice and spices inform the super-expressive aromatics.

Producer Information

Wines defined by place, style and time. In the southwest corner of Sta. Rita Hills AVA lies a rugged, windswept, coastal vineyard, called The Hilt Estate. Estate grower producer of stunning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reflective of this dynamic corner of California. Pushing the limits. In the farthest southwest reach of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA is home to Radian & Bentrock Vineyards, these vineyards dictate The Hilt style. The numerous microclimates and unique soils provide a multilayered backdrop to create 3 unique expressions: Estate, The Guards, and Single Vineyards. In 2014, Matt Dees, Ruben Solorzano & team took on operation and farming of Radian and Bentrock Vineyards and shifted to precise sustainable & organic farming to transform and revitalize the soil.

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