THE HILT
The Hilt champions pinot noir and chardonnay from the climatic margins of California's coastal winegrowing regions, Santa Barbara County's Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley AVAs prominent among them. The philosophy of "growing in the margins" propels winegrowers to employ practices that enable grapes to show full transparency of site-key to The Hilt's philosophy. The Hilt and Jonata are owned by Ann and Stan Kroenke.
"An incredible wine, the 2009 La Sangre De Jonata is 98% Syrah and 2% co-fermented Viognier that was brought up in 50% new oak. I was blown away by this wine on release, rating it close to perfect from barrel twice and 99 points from bottle, and I'm thrilled to see it continue to show so well today. Still youthfully purple/ruby-hued, it has an incredible bouquet of ripe blackberries, beef blood, scorched earth, crushed stone, and hints of leather. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has incredible purity in its aromas and flavors, beautifully integrated acidity, fine tannins, and a great, great finish. It's still not fully mature and would stand toe to toe with (if not beat) a great Hermitage. It needs an hour in a decanter today and will evolve for another 10-15 years. Bravo!" - Jeb Dunnuck 98JD (2023)
"A bright, nervy wine, the 2021 Pinot Noir Radian captures all the natural intensity of this site on the far edge of the Sta. Rita Hills. Bright acids and veins of minerality infuse the 2021 with tremendous character. Dark red/purplish fruit, lavender, crushed rocks, graphite and dried herbs are some of the many notes that race across the palate. This just sizzles with energy. It's a great example from the western edge of the appellation. (Drink between 2025-2036)" -Vinous, 97VM
"A deep well of minerality and crunchiness marries forest fruit, plums and mixed cherries, showing star anise and seaweed through the saline finish. Unfurls with expressiveness and length. Drink or hold." - James Suckling, 95JS
"Slightly deep ruby/purple-hued and nearly opaque, the 2023 Pinot Noir Bentrock Vineyard shows gorgeous purity, with black raspberries, hints of cassis, graphite, smoky oak, and subtle floral notes. Medium-bodied and layered on the palate, it’s flawlessly balanced, with ripe tannins and a great finish. Simply brilliant, it should drink well over the coming decade or more. Drink 2025-2035." -Jeb Dunnuck, 96JD
"So much energy and salt, anchoring forest fruit, boysenberries and crushed violets against a tug of earth. Mineral, filigreed and refined, this is capable of aging for decades yet provides tremendous short-term pleasure. Drink or hold." -James Suckling, 98JS
