The Hilt by Jonata "Bentrock Vineyard" Chardonnay 2023
(Santa Rita Hills, California) - [VM 97] [JS 97] [WA 96+] [JD 95]

About the Winery:
From the same proprietors as Jonata, The Hilt was founded in 2008 as a separate winery focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. In 2014, the Rancho Salsipuedes estate was purchased and a new, permanent home for The Hilt was found. Outside of Salsipuedes, The Hilt also sources old-vine fruit from the marled soils of Sanford and Benedict and the loamy sandy soils of Solomon Hills in the Santa Maria Valley.

Winemaker Matt Dees is very much in charge of the entire process, from vine to bottle. He's passionate about the rugged terrains and an enthusiast of the art of blending. As of 2014, he abolished the use of herbicides and pesticides in Rancho Salsipuedes and established his own farming parameters for the vineyards. 

About this Wine:
The Bentrock Vineyard is located in the Sta. Rita Hills and the Chardonnay vines are roughly 14 years old. The wines is aged 40% new French oak barrels, 60% once and twice used barrels for 11 months, followed by 5 months in stainless tank with full lees.

Bentrock is a vineyard of long, rolling hills and parcels that are protected from the rough maritime winds. Soils are poor and the temperature changes quickly from cold to warm. The wines are complex and opulent.

Tasting Notes:
"Earthy, herbal, spice-driven and full of stone fruit. Early season nectarine, truffle honey and golden Russett apple. This has the consistent power and density that is a hallmark of this hallowed vineyard. Honeysuckle and white peach. Juicy Anjou pear alongside a savory and chalky structural backbone. Gunflint and a touch of vanilla bean alongside lifted jasmine and chervil. Packed with energy and still very early in development. Perhaps the most inward and age worthy Bentrock to date. Unfurls slowly in the glass giving glimpses of its future potential. The texture and silky sensuality of this wine become very clear on days 2 and 3." - Matt Dees, Winemaker

Ratings & Reviews

97 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2023 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard is magnificent. Explosive in its aromatics and commanding in its presence, this is California Chardonnay at its most singular. Layers of spiced apple, white peach and almond oil mingle with edges of flint, chalk and crushed rocks, while a waxy undertone adds intrigue. For all its power, the 2023 retains laser-like cut, with statuesque, chiseled edges and Autobahn-worthy acceleration. It's a thrilling wine in every sense.” – Billy Norris (Aug 2025)

97 Points - James Suckling:
"Supple and seductive yet terrifically energetic and steely. Precise yet giving with ripe yellow apples, white flowers and an incisive spine of minerality. Complex phenolics and rich texture with savoriness through the long finish. Drink or hold." (Aug 2025)

96+ Points - Wine Advocate:
“My favorite of these recent releases from The Hilt is the 2023 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard, which perfectly encapsulates the maritime nature of the western Sta. Rita Hills. Dominated by crystalline aromas of citrus peels, green orchard fruits, oystershell and a subtle undercurrent of leesy breadth, the palate offers perfect equilibrium between seductive richness and striking focus. It concludes with an exhilarating finish that combines assertive, phenolic grip with slowly unfolding, broad, sophisticated layers propelled by vertical lift. In contrast to the beautiful expression from Radian, this offers slightly more textural generosity, making for a beautifully complete picture of contemporary California Chardonnay that evolves well into its second decade." - Matthew Luczy (Nov 2025)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A slightly broader and more expansive release from this talented team, the 2023 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard reveals orchard fruits, honeyed flowers, and Meyer lemon, with chalky minerality and subtle oyster shell nuances. Medium-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it’s layered and seamless, with a brilliant White Burgundy character. It should drink well over the coming decade. Drink 2025-2035." (Sep 2025)