2016 The Hilt Pinot Noir Vanguard
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Tasting notes
Similarly colored, the 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard is destemmed and sees plenty of new barrels. Currants, blackberries, crushed rocks, and spice notes as well as some floral and violet notes all flow to a richly textured, beautifully balanced Pinot Noir that has sweet tannins, lots of density and structure, and a great finish. It has more elegance and layers than the estate cuvée but is certainly in the same ballpark. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
As is the case with the Old Guard, the 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard is relatively buttoned up and less exuberant than it can be. And that is just fine. A powerful, resonant wine, the 2016 exudes intensity and structure, all in a compelling package that has so much to offer. Readers will have to give the 2016 at least a few years to come into its own, but it is positively stellar. The rich, resonant finish makes the 2016 nearly impossible to resist, even at this early stage.
As is the case with the Old Guard, the 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard is relatively buttoned up and less exuberant than it can be. And that is just fine. A powerful, resonant wine, the 2016 exudes intensity and structure, all in a compelling package that has so much to offer. Readers will have to give the 2016 at least a few years to come into its own, but it is positively stellar. The rich, resonant finish makes the 2016 nearly impossible to resist, even at this early stage.
The 2016 Pinot Noir Vanguard reveals notes of damson, plum, raspberries, currant leaf and rose petal, followed by a medium-bodied palate structured around fine-grained tannins, showing a bit more texture and mid-palate weight than the Sta. Rita Hills bottling, but to my taste less energy and complexity. Its acids are tangy and linger on the youthfully primary finish. The Vanguard hails from warmer sites that are sheltered from the wind. 580 cases were produced.
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.