The Hilt Pinot Noir 2022

Matt Dees is considered among the wine cognoscenti to be one of the top winemakers in the United States. Previously winemaker at Staglin in Napa and Craggy Range in New Zealand. Businessman Stan Kroenke who owns Screaming Eagle and part owner of Bonneau du Martray in Burgundy also owns today’s wine and the same energy, expertise, zeal and reputation goes into making this great Pinot Noir. Dees makes wine for Kronk at three wineries including both acclaimed Jonata and The Hilt. After tasting through I bring you the wine that blew me away I selected different wines one of which has just arrived and must not be missed. Wines are hard to get and will sell out fast. The 2022 The Hilt Pinot Noir is a thing of beauty. The wines comes from the Sta. Rita Hills famous for great Pinot Noir. Sourced from north facing vineyards, closest to the ocean and windswept. These sites are the worst place for a grape grower, but the best ones for a winemaker. Sourced from The Hilt’s highest elevation vineyards: Radian Vineyard and Bentrock Vineyard. The wines take into account the many aspects, clones, soil types and other properties of our estate which gives the maximum amount of blending components in the hands of a top winemaker to make a great wine. We have an excellent for you on this beauty. Pinot lovers you will love this wine.

This one is very special. Classic Estate nose of black fruit, red cherry and tobacco. Bigger and broader and more generous than previous vintages due to naturally low yields, a perfectly warm vintage and increased concentration. Supple and soft. Nothing out of place in this wine. It highlights the diatom structure with fine grain grit and forgiving, but long-lasting tannins. Almost decadent fruit, but it is held in check by earthy notes of porcini and dried herbs. Savory and refreshing. Dark and brooding, but absolutely buoyed by acidity and fresh verve. Sophisticated, sensual, complex and utterly delicious. A pinot noir that checks all of the boxes. Long race on the finish between silky dark fruit and a delicate dusting of tannin. Everything I could hope for in a glass. – Matt Dees, Winemaker
93pts Vinous 93pts JD