Does anyone have any experience with this producer; I think they are affiliated with Jonata and that commodity, Screaming Eagle. I got a email from them about the release of the wines listed below. Could care less about the scores, just thought they were worth keeping in case anyone was interested.
We are refined by what we endure.
In 2011, the winter never really broke, resulting in one of the coldest vintages anyone can recall.
Spared from the harvest rains that plagued other regions, the cool summer in Santa Barbara County yielded a long, even growing season, ideal for pinot noir and chardonnay. By the time these wines were in barrel, it was evident that the old vines that are The Hilt, came through the vintage with grace and vibrancy, ultimately producing the finest set of wines we have been privileged to offer.
The four wines of the vintage, two pinot noirs and two chardonnays, are wines of incredible focus, tension, purity, and balance. They embody the best qualities of Santa Barbara’s most hallowed vineyard sites, and have earned praise as some of California’s finest offerings from 2011.
So it is with deep pride that we make the 2011 vintage of The Hilt available to you.
Collectors of great California pinot noir and chardonnay may be drawn to the more fruit forward character of The Vanguard, while devotees to a restrained style, may find their taste more compatible with the finesse and elegance of The Old Guard. True enthusiast, will insist on adding both The Vanguard and The Old Guard to their cellars, as neither should be missed.
As all previous releases, the production numbers of the 2011 vintage are extremely limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis. While allocations numbers remain on the higher side, this will not be the patern for future releases.
THE WINES OF THE 2011 VINTAGE RELEASE:
2011 The Old Guard Pinot Noir – $65
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate / 94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2011 The Vanguard Pinot Noir - $45
93 Points Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate / 95 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2011 The Old Guard Chardonnay - $50
94 Points Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate / 94 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2011 The Vanguard Chardonnay - $45
95 Points Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate / 93 Points Antonio Galloni, Vinous