Stan Kroenke, owner of Screaming Eagle (etal) loves Santa Ynez and The Santa Rita Hills where he created Jonata and The Hilt. Initially Andy Erickson who was the long time winemaker at Screaming Eagle was in charge, eventually turning over the reins to Matt Dees. Today Matt totally transformed both wineries and it shows in the final products, and the great press they’ve received. The 2018 Pinot Noirs from this winery are off the charts!!
The Hilt Estate 2018 Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir
GGWC 89.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use code HILT during checkout
Vinous 97 Points: “A stunning bottle, the 2018 Pinot Noir Radian brings together all the elements that make the Hilt wines so compelling. Rich, deep and beautifully resonant in the glass, the Radian has so much to offer. A rush of dark red/purplish berry fruit, rose petal, lavender, mint and sweet spice build in a dramatic, statuesque Pinot loaded with character and personality. The interplay of textural richness and energy is simply breathtaking.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points: “The 2018 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard is a more chiseled, focused wine. Racy black cherry and mulberry fruits, lots of candied violets and blood orange notes, medium-bodied richness, and present yet fine tannins all make for a brilliant, racy, singular Pinot Noir that will benefit from a year or three of bottle age and keep for a decade.”
Winemaker Notes: “Dark and brooding with a cooling herbal temperament. Typical of the site with strong notes of black pepper, blackberry, pancetta and mint, but with an added floral note in 2018 reminiscent of lavender. Fruit-driven and coiled with a succulent, savory side and tons of kinetic energy. Black tea, black currant pastilles and cured meat. Finely ground espresso alongside pine resin and forest floor leaves. Structurally it is redolent of the diatomaceous earth on which it grows, as it is ultimately fresh, cooling, fine grained and balanced. A wine of polar opposites…dark, sweet and luscious black fruit alongside a tremendous light touch with elegance, pedigree and refinement. It zips up on the back-palate to show off tremendous poise, tension and energy. Serve today with the true food of kings: simple and pure carnitas tacos…or put in your cellar and reap the benefits in 8 years.”
Also check out this other amazing 96 Point rated wine by The Hilt
The Hilt Estate 2018 “Bentrock” Pinot Noir 96 Point
GGWC 89.99
FREE SHIPPING on 6 or more
Use code HILT during checkout
Vinous 96 Points: “The 2018 Pinot Noir Bentrock is a magical wine. Deep and pliant, with striking energy, the Bentrock is wonderfully complete from the very first taste. It is at once taut and yet not at all austere, with tremendous depth and density, and magnificent balance. Chalk, blood orange, mint, rose petal and sweet red berry fruit are some of the many notes that build into a finish marked by crystalline purity.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95+ Points: “The 2018 Pinot Noir Bentrock is a magical wine. Deep and pliant, with striking energy, the Bentrock is wonderfully complete from the very first taste. It is at once taut and yet not at all austere, with tremendous depth and density, and magnificent balance. Chalk, blood orange, mint, rose petal and sweet red berry fruit are some of the many notes that build into a finish marked by crystalline purity.”
Winemaker Notes: “Pure and elegant bright red cherry and dark blood orange. Added depth from notes of pomegranate, white pepper and rosemary. Black plum and velvet on palate. Sweet aged balsamic and savory tamari. Tremendous density and freshness. Silky, red and supple with enough herbal green personality to lift it out of the glass and create intrigue. Bright, energetic and so tense. The purity of red fruit is mind boggling, but met pound for pound by a saline intensity on the finish with chalky tannins that pushes the finish further and further. Still tightly coiled, but ultimately a balanced wine from deeply rooted, sun kissed and protected vines. A true pleasure to drink today, but the firm, yet deliciously savory structure hints at a long life ahead. Pop open a bottle to enjoy with a grilled, marinated flank steak. “
Click here or on the links above to order!
Call 415-337-4083 or email frank@goldengatewinecellars.com for ordering assistance or priority allocation!