2022 The Hilt - Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills (750ml)
The 2022 The Hilt Chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills blends fruit from Bentrock and Radian, two of The Hilt’s single-vineyard sites in the cool, maritime-influenced southwestern corner of the appellation. This Chardonnay is crafted to build texture and depth without overpowering the fruit, aging eleven months in a mix of new and neutral French oak with a small portion of stainless steel.
Born from The Hilt’s broader mission—pioneered by the same proprietors behind Jonata—the wine emphasizes farming integrity and site-driven character. The estate’s approach includes eliminating herbicides and pesticides across the property, while drawing on old-vine fruit from Sanford and Benedict and Solomon Hills alongside the estate’s own vines to shape a true Santa Rita Hills expression.
Tasting notes
- Nose: mango, green melon, honeysuckle, and wet gravel, with agave and lime zest adding lift.
- Palate: floral, dense, and elegant, carried by piercing acidity into a remarkably long finish.
Wine details and aging
- Aged eleven months in a mix of new and neutral French oak with a small portion of stainless steel to balance texture and fruit.
Food pairing
- Roasted halibut
- Buttered lobster
- Creamy risotto