2021 The Hilt Old Guard Pinot Noir

Inviting, complex and lifted aromatics of black cherry, black pepper, crushed rocks and bouquet garni. Resinous and multi-layered. Supple red and black fruit with dusty, fine and gently chalky tannins. Live oak forest and porcini alongside Nori and savory ocean notes. Earth-driven and elegantly structured. Still very young and tight in expression today but opens beautifully with air and will expand to spread its wings fully with a few years in the cellar. Sensual and thought-provoking expression of pinot noir from the cold north-facing slopes of the far western Sta Rita Hills. There is undoubtedly plenty of dense fruit in the wine, but there is so much more. No doubt one of the finest Old Guard bottlings to date. - Matt Dees, Winemaker

96 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous | 96+ Points Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com