The Hilt Vanguard Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County, USA, is a standout wine produced by The Hilt, a respected winery known for its commitment to crafting exceptional cool-climate wines. The Santa Barbara County appellation is renowned for its diverse microclimates, which provide optimal conditions for growing Pinot Noir grapes.
The vineyard features are characterized by the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, creating a long growing season that allows the grapes to ripen slowly, resulting in intense flavors and balanced acidity. The winemaking process is meticulous, involving hand-harvested grapes, careful sorting, and fermentation in small lots. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, adding complexity and depth.
The style of The Hilt Vanguard Pinot Noir is characterized by its elegance, with vibrant red fruit aromas, hints of spice, and a silky texture. This wine beautifully represents the unique terroir of Santa Barbara County, making it a top choice for Pinot Noir enthusiasts seeking a refined and expressive wine.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Hilt The Vanguard Pinot Noir is an exceptional wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of Pinot Noir.With its vibrant ruby color, this wine entices the senses with its enticing aromas of ripe red berries, cherry, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of fruit flavors, including raspberry, cranberry, and plum, complemented by hints of earthiness and spice. The tannins are silky smooth, providing a velvety texture that lingers on the finish. This wine is a true expression of the terroir, reflecting the unique characteristics of the vineyard where it was grown. It pairs beautifully with roasted duck, grilled salmon, or mushroom risotto. Overall, The Hilt The Vanguard Pinot Noir is a remarkable wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.
EXPERT RATING
4.3
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
2057
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
High
No/Low
Very High
Intensity:
Fragrant
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Bold
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Vibrant
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
Firm
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Pinot Noir
ORIGINS
Winery: The Hilt
Region: Central Coast California
The Central Coast of California is a wine lover's paradise, boasting a wide variety of climates, soils, and grape varieties. Located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the Central Coast spans from Monterey County in the north to Santa Barbara County in the south. With its diverse topography and Mediterranean climate, the Central Coast is home to some of the most renowned wineries in the United States.
The Central Coast has a long and storied history of winemaking, dating back to the mid-1800s. The first vineyards were planted in the Santa Clara Valley, and by the late 1800s, the region was producing some of the finest wines in the country. The region's reputation for quality wines was further solidified in the early 1989, when the Santa Clara Valley was declared among the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the United States.