2021 Radian Vineyard Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2021 Chardonnay Radian Vineyard saw only partial malolactic fermentation, leading to incisive aromas showing another degree of linearity from the Bentrock bottling. The palate delivers the site's signature live-wire, focused lift along with a balancing, subtle richness that carries through and grounds the finish, narrowly avoiding austerity. I suspect this will do quite well in the cellar, and I look forward to revisiting it in a few years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Aged 85% in neutral French oak barrels and 15% in stainless-steel tanks for 11 months, followed by five months in stainless-steel tank on full lees. Lemon, apple, pear – multidimensional fruit. The wine is broad and concentrated in flavours, but the tension evident throughout the portfolio still stands out. Oak adds layers of spice and smoke, making an elegant synergy with the delicate fruit core. It has a lovely saline finish. (FG)
The 2021 Chardonnay Radian is a powerful, steely wine packed with citrus, mineral and floral notes. Lemon peel, white pepper, mint and chalk are nicely delineated throughout. The aromatics are quite expressive, but here, too, I find the style too lean.
Moving to the single vineyards, the 2021 Chardonnay Radian Vineyard is similarly hued yet has more complexity and intensity in its orange blossom, crushed citrus, chalky minerality, and minty herb-like aromas and flavors. Racy, medium-bodied, and beautifully focused, it has a salty, lip-smacking finish.
About the producer
The Hilt is the Santa Rita Hills project owned by sports and property mogul billionaire Stan Kroenke, who also owns Screaming Eagle in Napa Valley and the Jonata estate in the California’s Ballard Canyon AVA.