The Hilt Estate 2019 “Bentrock” Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 95 Points

Vinous 95 Points: “The 2019 Bentrock opens with super-expressive aromatics. Chalk, white pepper, mint, lemon peel and slate race out of the glass. The 2019 exudes tremendous aromatic complexity and vertical energy. There is touch of reduction, but not enough to be a distraction.  The Bentrock is a Chardonnay of tremendous distinction and personality.” 

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “Even better, the 2019 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard boasts a thrilling, richer, medium to full-bodied style that shows winemaker Matt Dees’ vibrant, chiseled style while still bringing ample fruit. White peach, caramelized orchard fruits, toasted almonds and spice emerge on the nose, and it has a Chablis on steroids-like style that will evolve gracefully for a decade.”

Winemaker Notes: “Characteristic Bentrock notes of white flowers, almonds (marzipan) and apricot brioche. Subtle hints of lavender and lemon verbena. Very typical of the site, but with greater depth of fruit than previous vintages. Kissed by “refrigerated sunshine,” but definitely not driven by warmth. Bright and shining. Touch of peach cobbler and sweet cream. Can almost sense the added maturity of the vines with a more luscious texture. Very much the nucleus in terms of inner core of dense fruit. Refreshingly chalky structure. Powerful, succulent, dense and thrilling for its precision and tenacity. Should certainly benefit from time in the
cellar. Knockout today paired with grilled chicken Caesar salad “