2014 The Hilt Chardonnay Old Guard
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Tasting notes
Sporting a slightly lighter color than the Vanguard release, the 2014 Chardonnay Old Guard has that raw Chardonnay fruit profile of lemon curd, apple blossom, citrus and hints of crushed rock. Medium-bodied, lively and bracing on the palate, with bright acidity, it's a downright classy and elegant chardonnay that should be better in another 2-4 years and have 10-15 years of evolution. This cuvee comes from the Sanford & Benedict, Radian and Solomon Hills vineyards.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Chardonnay Old Guard is the most relaxed and open of these wines. Orchard fruit and sweet floral notes are front and center, but it is the wine's crystalline purity and overall finesse that stand out most. In 2014, the Old Guard is pure class and pedigree. Vineyard sites are Sanford & Benedict, Solomon Hills and Radian.
The 2014 Chardonnay Old Guard comes across as intensely mineral, with almost Riesling-like profile of liquefied rocks, petrol, citrus and exotic flowers. Finely cut and chiseled to the core, the 2014 is shaping up to be another jewel of a wine from The Hilt. Vineyard sources are Sanford & Benedict, Solomon Hills and Radian. The 2014 is aging 65% in neutral oak and 35% in steel. As is the custom with this bottling, only a small amount of the juice (15%) completed malolactic fermentation.
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.