The Hilt Winery, a sister winery to Jonata and Screaming Eagle, produces two Pinot Noir's and a Chardonnay. The two Pinot Noirs are the Vanguard and the Old Guard. The Vanguard Pinot Noir showcases the more fruit-forward (e.g. "new world")side of the Santa Barbara AVA vineyard sites while the Old Guard highlights the nuances and earthiness of a few select barrels of 40 year old vines.
As a fan of the more fruit forward style of Pinot Noir I selected a bottle of 2010 The Hilt Vanguard Pinot Noir Santa Barbara. A powerful Pinot Noir the front palate gives hints of dark berries, cocoa nibs and dark chocolate notes. The tannin are ever present. This is a big Pinot Noir but not in a negative way. Despite the size of this wine it maintains incredible balance. The mid palate brings notes of allspice and fruit supported by acidity. The tannin carry the notes through to the finish. The finish is medium-long and provides lasting mouthfeel.
2010 Hilt Vanguard, Pinot Noir is $45 from the mailing list which rates very high on the price to quality ratio scale. While this is an extremely big and bold Pinot Noir it is a must try for any fan of California fruit forward Pinot Noir (albeit on metaphorical steroids).
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Monday, August 5, 2013
Walt Wines - 2011
Walt Wines is the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sister of Hall Wines. Hall Wines purchased Roessler Cellars and renamed it Walt Wines while taking over the entire production and wine making. They source grapes from vineyards in Anderson Valley, the Sonoma Coast, Sta. Rita Hills and Willamette Valley.
Today I tasted the 2011 WALT "Rita's Crown" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. The Rita’s Crown Vineyard is one of three single vineyard Pinot Noir's that are made from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Based on Wine Spectator's ratings this wine scored 90 points on the 100 point scale. James Laube recommended a 2014-2022 drink window but I decided to try one bottle in its youth. The front palate has an interesting mix of organic beef jerky, raspberry and a hint of effervescence. The mid palate has firm tannin which hides the dark cherry, cola and earth notes. The finish is long and coats the entire palate.
Recommendation - A very complex wine which shows many different layers. This wine could benefit from another two-three years in the cellar to let those primary notes overshadow the tannin on the mid palate. Buy a few bottles to store in your cellar. - Retail $60.
Today I tasted the 2011 WALT "Rita's Crown" Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. The Rita’s Crown Vineyard is one of three single vineyard Pinot Noir's that are made from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Based on Wine Spectator's ratings this wine scored 90 points on the 100 point scale. James Laube recommended a 2014-2022 drink window but I decided to try one bottle in its youth. The front palate has an interesting mix of organic beef jerky, raspberry and a hint of effervescence. The mid palate has firm tannin which hides the dark cherry, cola and earth notes. The finish is long and coats the entire palate.
Recommendation - A very complex wine which shows many different layers. This wine could benefit from another two-three years in the cellar to let those primary notes overshadow the tannin on the mid palate. Buy a few bottles to store in your cellar. - Retail $60.
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