The Hilt 2020 Pinot Noir “Radian” Santa Rita Hills 98 Points

James Suckling 98 Points: “This shows so much spice with white pepper, cloves, sage, and dried meat on the nose. Full-bodied with depth and a very tight palate, with a super linear line of tannins and fresh acidity. The length is very, very impressive. Spice box at the end. Salt and pepper. Black cherry and sliced strawberry. Always subtle. Drink or hold.”

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points: “Another awesome wine that will benefit from bottle age is the 2020 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard. Sporting a vivid, translucent ruby hue as well as notes of black raspberries, subtle cassis, and spicy oak, it’s medium-bodied, has a rock star of a mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and a great finish. The purity and balance here are spot on, and this warrants 2-3 years of bottle age and will cruise for a decade.”

Vinous 96 Points: “The 2020 Pinot Noir Radian opens with crazy aromatics that are immediately alluring. Bright red/purplish fruit, lavender, rose petal and sweet spice all inform this gorgeous, translucent Pinot from The Hilt. Time in the glass brings out darker tonalities of fruit and the striking inner sweetness that is such a signature of the finest Sta. Rita Hills Pinots. Blending across several parcels on the range yields a Pinot of tremendous distinction. The 2020 is special. Don’t miss it.”

Matt Dees, Winemaker: “Pure and dark Radian fruit (like ripe black raspberries) dominates the nose alongside lifted notes of cracked pepper and game. Very perfumed and floral vintage, but also graced with the weight, tension and focus that define this venerable site. Vein of pure red fruit on the attack. Bright and concise. Plum skin tannin and black truffle. Buoyant and fresh, but not lacking fruit. Velvety texture and a dusty and long finish. An inviting, alive and sensual vintage with vibrancy and seemingly endless energy.”

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