The Hilt 2022 Pinot Noir “Bentrock Vineyard” Santa Rita Hills 97 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: The 2022 Pinot Noir Bentrock Vineyard offers a riper nose of Bing cherries, candied framboise, sappy spring flowers, spice, and a kiss of classy oak. It’s gorgeously textured, medium to full-bodied, has a pure, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a vibrant spine of acidity. It shows the ripe style of the vintage, yet it’s pure, precise, and focused, with the class to evolve for 10-15 years. ”

Vinous 97 Points: “The 2022 Pinot Noir Bentrock, mostly Calera clone, is exceptional. Dark and vivid, with tremendous textural drive, the 2022 dazzles from start to finish. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, and licorice all race across the palate. ”

Matt Dees, Winemaker: “Exuberant fruit. Black, red, and green. Absolutely leaps out of the glass. Noticeably, it is a darker-fruit version from Bentrock vineyard, with more bass and density. Blackberries right off the bush. Solid core of fruit. Like its’ Bentrock Chardonnay sibling, it never loses speed. Sweet and consistent push of plush fruit on the attack. So full and coating. Touch of savory saltiness, alongside sous bois and black cherry. Pencil shavings and pink peppercorns. Inner perfume of lavender. Classic notes of Bentrock vineyard, blood orange, and an ultra-fine, dusty structure. The most powerful and expressive Bentrock Pinot Noir to date, no doubt.”.