Leading off the Pinot Noirs, the 2017 Pinot Noir Estate reveals a deeper ruby/purple-tinged color as well as a ripe, sexy bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, scorched earth, violets, and background oak. Rounded, medium to full-bodied, textured, and just loaded with dark fruit on the palate, it's beautifully balanced and will drink fabulously well for at least 7-8 years

Bentrock Vineyard lies in the southwestern corner of the Sta. Rita Hills, and produces racy, lively wines that can be almost austere in their youth. The Hilt’s 2017 vintage of this estate site takes this edgy nature and combines it with a velvety richness. The nose is at once breezy and metallic, with aromas of clay dust, gunmetal and chalk. The palate is fine and granular, showing flavours of salted cranberry, grapefruit pith and cloves.

The 2019 Pinot Noir Estate is a gorgeous introduction to the vintage at The Hilt. Pliant and layered, the 2019 is a very serious wine at this level. Dark red cherry/plum, spice and lavender are all perked up by the wine's brightness. The 2019 is appealing and quite accessible, but it has a good deal of grip, too. Time in the glass brings out its captivating inner perfume. This is very nicely done.

The 2017 Estate Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills, aged for 12 months in 15% new French oak and with 5% stem inclusion, is pale to medium ruby-purple with tricolored fruits: blackberries, red berries and sliced blueberries with loamy earth, dust, peppered meat and dried florals. It's medium-bodied with a restrained fruit core and earthy accents, grainy tannins and juicy acidity, finishing long.