2011 The Hilt Pinot Noir The Vanguard
The Hilt is a Santa Barbara County winery created by the people from the highly successful Jonata Winery. They do two Pinots: The Old Guard from older vines and The Vanguard from younger vines. Fruit for this cuvee was sourced from three of the finest vineyards in Santa Barbara County: Solomon Hills, Sanford and Benedict and Bien Nacido. Dark red with little fade at the rim. Very fragrant nose that gives up black cherries, raspberries and brown spices. After some swirling hints of vanilla and cream soda poke through. Definitely a bigger wine, with full body, it retains balance and does not fall into that “Syrah lovers Pinot” style that some from the Central Coast can. Power and elegance combined in the right proportions. The finish is long and spicy with just a bit of tannin. Can drink now or hold for another 5+ years.
Excellent – $64 tax-in at BC Liquor stores. This is particularly good value for the quality. The 2012 release is out and sells for $99
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