The Hilt Estate Chardonnay, is multi-layered, originating from Sta. Rita Hills, in the Santa Ynez Valley, which is a real gem, for the coolest wine region in California! Its minerality is particularly characteristic and the 2020 has received 96 pts from Wine Enthusiast, 94 pts from James Suckling, and 92 pts from Jeb Dunnuck!
The Hilt winery is owned by the well-known family behind the legendary Screaming Eagle and Jonata. In their vineyards, they cultivate the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varieties, which are divided into three different vineyards, Bentrock, Radian, and Puerta del Ma. However, apart from the privately owned, they work closely with local vintners, but as winemaker Matt Dees says, these vineyards are the worst for the vintner but the best for the winery because the strong winds, oceanic climate and barren soils harden the vine and give extremely low yields, but tremendous concentration and complexity!
For The Hilt Estate Chardonnay, after the wine has fermented, the juice is placed for maturation in French oak barrels, of which 34% are new, while 60% are neutral French oak barrels that no longer impart aromas to the wine, but they play a very important role in its maturation, because they allow a minimal percentage of oxygen to enter the barrel! The remaining 6% remains in stainless steel tanks that preserve the freshness of the variety before it is finally blended, after 11 full months, resulting in an irresistible result with a floral character, citrus notes, and a unique minerality!
Multi-dimensional and perfectly balanced, The Hilt Estate Chardonnay, is a wine that belongs to the backbone of California, and by all indications it will age amazingly!