2011 The Hilt Vanguard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
(made from fruit grown in the Sanford & Benedict and Bien Nacido vineyards; 45% new oak): Brilliant ruby-red. Highly perfumed aromas of red and dark berry preserves and allspice, complicated by a sexy potpourri element. Shows very good clarity and lift on the palate, with strong mineral cut to its exotic raspberry and cherry-cola flavors. Emphatically fruity and broad on the finish, which is nicely framed by smooth, slow-building tannins. This suave pinot is delicious right now.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Looking at the reds, the 2011 Pinot Noir Vanguard offers up a savory, masculine feel with earthy black cherry, spice box and edgy minerality that flows to a medium-bodied, concentrated and razor sharp palate. There’s no baby fat here and this impressive effort should be given another year or three in the cellar. Drink 2016-2023+. These awesome wines are made by Matt Dees and the Jonata team and are named after the idea that the wines are farmed to “The Hilt.” Sourced from Sanford & Benedict, Solomon Hills and Bien Nacido vineyards, they were some of the most impressive efforts I was able to taste during my time spent in Santa Barbara County. Tel. (805) 564-8581; www.thehiltwines.com
The 2011 Pinot Noir Vanguard is a much deeper, more powerful wine than the Old Guard. Black cherries, mint, licorice and French oak all meld together in a rich, voluptuous Pinot loaded with class and pedigree. With air, the Vanguard turns positively explosive. The 2011 was made predominantly from Sanford & Benedict with a dollop of fruit from Bien Nacido. Winemaker Matt Dees used 45% new oak.
Looking at the reds, the 2011 Pinot Noir Vanguard offers up a savory, masculine feel with earthy black cherry, spice box and edgy minerality that flows to a medium-bodied, concentrated and razor sharp palate. There’s no baby fat here and this impressive effort should be given another year or three in the cellar. Drink 2016-2023+. Aug 2013, www.robertparker.com
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.