2013 The Hilt Pinot Noir Vanguard
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Tasting notes
Dark, pliant and seductive, the 2013 Pinot Noir Vanguard wraps around the palate with striking depth and pure textural richness. Smoke, tobacco, licorice and spices inform the super-expressive aromatics. With time in the glass, the 2013 shows a deeper, darker register. Drink this bold, racy Pinot over the next decade or so. The 2013 is 100% Sanford & Benedict, done with fully destemmed fruit and aged in 40% new oak.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Slightly backwards, tight and racy, the 2013 Pinot Noir Vanguard's ruby, semi-opaque color is followed by outstanding notes of rose petals, mint, sappy herbs and lively raspberry and strawberry-scented fruit. Medium-bodied and racy on the palate, with bright acidity, it needs a year or two in the cellar to fill out, but should have a long life. The elevage here is 11 months in 40% new French oak, with the balance in neutral oak.
Bright, focused and vibrant on the palate, the 2013 Pinot Noir The Vanguard impresses for its crystalline purity and weightless, translucent personality. This is one of the most perfumed, silky and gracious wines I have tasted from The Hilt. The saline, energetic finish is a thing of beauty. In 2013, the Vanguard is 100% Sanford & Benedict fruit, equal parts Mount Eden and Gamay clone.
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.