2012 The Hilt Chardonnay Vanguard
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Tasting notes
One of the top Chardonnays reviewed in this report, Dees’ 2012 Chardonnay Vanguard is a thrilling effort that excels on all accounts. Coming from Sanford & Benedict (40-year-old vines) and Solomon Hills (12-year-old vines) and tiny yields, it was aged 11 months in 85% new French oak prior to bottling. Giving up beautifully defined and focused aromas and flavors of stone fruits, citrus peel, brioche and a salty, flint-like quality, this awesome Chardonnay flows onto the palate with medium-bodied richness, perfectly integrated acidity and a seamless, silky finish that just keeps going. Enjoy this beauty over the coming 5-7 years, although I see no need to delay gratification either. One of the top Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producers in Santa Barbara County, The Hilt is managed by the team at Jonata, with up-and-coming superstar winemaker Matt Dees making the wines. They two Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs in each vintage, a younger vine cuvee, the Vanguard, and an old vine cuvee, the Old Guard. Both are superb and if you have any interest in Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, you need to check out these wines! Tel. (805) 564 8581; www.thehiltwines.com
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Hints of smoke, mint, almonds and pears meld together in the 2012 Chardonnay The Vanguard, adding nuance to the Puligny-like fruit in a deeply expressive Chardonnay endowed with superb class. Lightly honeyed notes appear later, adding texture as this silky, gracious Chardonnay captivates the senses with all of its beauty. If opened young, the 2012 needs quite a bit of air to show at its best. Both 2012 Chardonnays are 75% Solomon Hills and 25% Sanford & Benedict, but the Vanguard sees a higher percentage of new barrels, while the malolactic fermentation is less inhibited.
The 2012 Chardonnay Vanguard is a little bit more voluptuous than the 2011, yet retains its essential mid-weight structure and personality. Juicy apricots, almonds and sweet floral notes flesh out on the radiant, inviting finish. The 2012 was aged 85% in new French oak and 15% in steel, with partial malolactic fermentation (40%) and weekly batonnage.
"Hints of smoke, mint, almonds and pears meld together in the 2012 Chardonnay The Vanguard, adding nuance to the Puligny-like fruit in a deeply expressive Chardonnay endowed with superb class. Lightly honeyed notes appear later, adding texture as this silky, gracious Chardonnay captivates the senses with all of its beauty. If opened young, the 2012 needs quite a bit of air to show at its best. Both 2012 Chardonnays are 75% Solomon Hills and 25% Sanford & Benedict, but the Vanguard sees a higher percentage of new barrels, while the malolactic fermentation is less inhibited."
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.