2014 The Hilt "Estate" & "Old Guard" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir Horizontal

“Another compelling wine, the 2014 Pinot Noir Old Guard is weightless and gracious on the palate, with more aromatic lift and silkiness than the Vanguard. From a flavor perspective, the two wines aren't that different because Sanford & Benedict is at the heart of both. Instead, in 2014 the differences are mostly textural, with perhaps just a touch more finesse here. The 2014 is all Sanford & Benedict fruit, 82% Mt. Eden clone and 18% Gamay clone, done with 35% whole clusters and aged mostly in neutral oak. (AG)” (09/2016)

“Ripe, yet fresh and pure, with notes of candied black cherries, cassis, smoked herbs and spring flowers, the 2014 Pinot Noir Old Guard is firm and structured on the palate, with high, yet integrated acidity, ripe tannin and a great finish. (JD) 92+” (08/2016)

“The beautiful aromatic quality to this is impressive with strawberry, chalk, some spice and bark undertone. Full body, layered and velvety. Wonderful undertones. You want to drink this immediately. Made by the owner of Screaming Eagle. Such brightness with sweet and sour undertone. Iron too.” (01/2017)

“The 2014 Pinot Noir is gorgeous. Bright and intensely saline, the 2014 presents striking translucency and purity in its red fruit flavors. Sensual and layered, with striking freshness, the 2014 hits all the right notes. This is a stunningly beautiful, 'entry-level' Pinot from The Hilt. Vineyard sources are Sanford & Benedict, Radian, Bentrock and Bien Nacido. (AG)” (09/2016)

“The vibrant ruby colored 2014 Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills offers up a serious, fresh bouquet of ripe black raspberry, crushed flowers, candied violets and blood orange. This gives way to a medium-bodied, concentrated, yet tight, sappy Pinot Noir that will be better this time next year, and have a decade of overall longevity. (JD)” (08/2016)