The Hilt Estate 2018 “Bentrock” Pinot Noir Santa Rita Hills 96 Points

Vinous 96 Points: “The 2018 Pinot Noir Bentrock is a magical wine. Deep and pliant, with striking energy, the Bentrock is wonderfully complete from the very first taste. It is at once taut and yet not at all austere, with tremendous depth and density, and magnificent balance. Chalk, blood orange, mint, rose petal and sweet red berry fruit are some of the many notes that build into a finish marked by crystalline purity.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95+ Points: “The 2018 Pinot Noir Bentrock is a magical wine. Deep and pliant, with striking energy, the Bentrock is wonderfully complete from the very first taste. It is at once taut and yet not at all austere, with tremendous depth and density, and magnificent balance. Chalk, blood orange, mint, rose petal and sweet red berry fruit are some of the many notes that build into a finish marked by crystalline purity.”

Winemaker Notes: “Pure and elegant bright red cherry and dark blood orange. Added depth from notes of pomegranate, white pepper and rosemary. Black plum and velvet on palate. Sweet aged balsamic and savory tamari. Tremendous density and freshness. Silky, red and supple with enough herbal green personality to lift it out of the glass and create intrigue. Bright, energetic and so tense. The purity of red fruit is mind boggling, but met pound for pound by a saline intensity on the finish with chalky tannins that pushes the finish further and further. Still tightly coiled, but ultimately a balanced wine from deeply rooted, sun kissed and protected vines. A true pleasure to drink today, but the firm, yet deliciously savory structure hints at a long life ahead. Pop open a bottle to enjoy with a grilled, marinated flank steak. “