The Hilt Chardonnay Estate 2018
This delightfully delicious Chardonnay is both elegant and refreshing in style. Supremely balanced with hints of bright fruit flavors (melons, citrus, plus honey crisp apples) and minerality that delivers an overall elegance rarely found outside France. This wine truly has something to offer Chardonnay lovers of every stripe and we highly recommend.” – August 2022
The Winery
There are three things critical to the understanding of transparent varieties such as
chardonnay and pinot noir: an understanding of terroir (dirt/climate foremost among
them), an attuned sense of stylistic intention and deft touch in the cellar. Armed with a
degree in Soil Science from the University of Vermont, The Hilt's winemaker, Matt Dees'
approach is grounded in the vineyard first and foremost. His attention to the subtle
differences found between chardonnay and pinot noir due to clonal selections and site
informs the sides of The Hilt's philosophy. And last but not least, Matt's fine hand with
the wines in the cellar allows the precise expression of both Old Guard characteristics
and Vanguard elements to emerge.
When Matt's not exploring this duality in chardonnay and pinot noir, he can be found
making the wines for its sister winery—Jonata.
The Wine
- Vintage 2018
- Varietal Chardonnay
- Style Boutique
- Winemaker Matt Dees
- Production Boutique
Locale
- Country USA
- State California
- Region Santa Barbara County
Cellar Notes
- Aromatics Citrus, Pastry, White Flowers
- Tasting Notes Honeycrisp Apple, Melon, Minerals
- Food Pairings Baked Chicken Thighs with Herbs & Mushrooms, Camembert, Crab Soufflé, L'Explorateur
- Opening Now through 2024
Ratings
- Our Rating 96 - Classic