The Hilt
(Jonata) Estate Pinot Noir 2022
(Santa Rita Hills, California) - [DM 94] [JS 94] [VM 93] [JD 93]

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 Pinot Noir is sourced from the most unique terroir of the Sta Rita Hills, the North-facing slope of the Santa Rosa road corridor. This hallowed ground, from west to east, includes some of the most important vineyards of the appellation: Radian and Bentrock. The vines age ranges between 8 and 44 years old and grows predominately on Diatomatious earth and loamy sand. Once harvested, the wine is cold-soaked for an average of 3 days and fermented 15% whole-cluster. It then ages for 10 months in 228L French Oak barrels, approximately 30% new, 70% neutral.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir features old-vine fruit from Bentrock and Radian Vineyard from a warmer-than-average growing season. The result is striking fruit intensity with a dense, velveteen texture on the palate. Fruit flavours weave melodically through layers of warm baking spices, sweet tobacco, and savoury, earthen tones reminiscent of foraged mushrooms and dried sage. Bold blackberry and cherry fruit concentrations hint at the excellent ageing potential. This very formal Pinot Noir finishes with silky tannins, and long linear acidity lingers long after the wine is gone. It will continue to evolve, with 7-10 years being the sweet spot for peak enjoyment.” – Vanessa Rason (Sep 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Beautiful dark, dusky fruit and precise balance give this medium-bodied wine a good, linear drive and refreshing texture. Red and black cherries, good acidity and subtle savory, spicy nuances. Drink now or hold." (Oct 2024)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate is glorious. A rush of inky dark fruit, spice, lavender, licorice and mocha are all front and center. Plush and explosive, with tremendous textural density, the 2022 has so much to offer. This is an especially large-scale, voluptuous wine from The Hilt." – Antonio Galloni (Aug 2024)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Black cherries, assorted darker berries, leafy herbs, sage, rose, and hints of iodine all emerge from the 2022 Pinot Noir Estate, a medium-bodied, complex, pretty, almost racy Pinot Noir that has solid depth of fruit, as well as a great finish. It blossoms with air, so don't be afraid to give this a decant if drinking any time soon. It should have an easy 10-12 years of prime drinking." (Aug 2024)