93 points Decanter

Alluring and savoury aromas weave themselves around ripe black cherry, including wet slate, conifer, spearmint, and rose petal. Medium-bodied, giving way to blueberry, very tart cherry, and golden raspberry. Saline minerality floods the mid-palate, and the finish is rife with sea spray. The integrated acidity is relatively high and offers excellent grip Located in an extremely windy corner of the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County, The Hilt Estate is situated amidst an expanse of rough hills, jagged peaks and canyons blanketed by cooling fog. Winemaker Matt Dees has his work cut out for him as the windy, foggy conditions create a real struggle to ripen grapes. Still, he's produced balanced and powerfully structured Pinot Noir and Chardonnays year after year. Drinking Window: 2023-2033.