The Hilt : Estate Pinot Noir 2022

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Estate Pinot Noir 2022 from The Hilt

Tasting notes

Colour

The colour is deep for a cool-climate Pinot Noir, suggesting a fine concentration achieved through naturally low yields.

Nose

The nose opens with a classic bouquet of black fruit and red cherry, enriched by notes of sweet tobacco. Earthy nuances of mushroom and dried herbs complete the picture, alongside warm baking spices, lavender, liquorice and subtle roasted touches reminiscent of mocha.

Palate

The palate reveals a velvety, dense texture, carried by a linear acidity that brings freshness and tension. The fine, slightly powdery tannins intertwine with the dark, silky fruit through a long finish, creating a precise balance between generosity and vivacity.

Food and wine pairing

This Pinot Noir pairs particularly well with poultry and mushroom-based dishes. It will be a delightful companion to roast or braised poultry, a wild mushroom risotto or a rich porcini preparation, where its earthy, savoury notes will find a fine echo.

Serving and cellaring

This wine can be enjoyed now, while also offering good cellaring potential.

A Californian Pinot Noir shaped by the maritime coolness of The Hilt

The estate

The Hilt was founded in 2008 in the Sta. Rita Hills, in California, within Santa Barbara County. The brand is owned by Ann and Stan Kroenke, who are also associated with Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley and Jonata in the Santa Ynez Valley. Under the winemaking direction of Matt Dees, The Hilt has established itself as a benchmark for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, thanks to its vineyards close to the Pacific Ocean and to herbicide- and pesticide-free viticulture since 2014.

The vineyard

This American wine comes from the Bentrock and Radian vineyards, located in the heart of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, on predominantly north-facing slopes close to the Pacific Ocean. The soils, of ancient marine origin, are made up notably of diatomite and calcareous materials, forcing the vines to root deeply. The old vines of Sanford & Benedict complete the blend, bringing their own character to the cuvée.

The vintage

The 2022 vintage stands out for a generally cool season marked by low yields, followed by a period of pronounced heat late in the season. The vines, around fifteen years old, delivered fine concentration while preserving high acidity thanks to the inherent freshness of the sites.

Winemaking and ageing

This wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks with a moderate proportion of whole-cluster fruit. Ageing, lasting around eleven months, takes place in French oak barrels combining neutral and new barrels. The wines are not racked during ageing, allowing them to remain on their fine lees until bottling, for a silkier texture and better preservation of aromatic freshness.

Grape variety

100% Pinot Noir.