2022 The Hilt - Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills (750ml)

The Hilt was founded in 2008 by the same proprietors behind Jonata, initially focused solely on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Maria Valley. In 2014 the estate purchased Rancho Salsipuedes, giving the winery a permanent home, and winemaker Matt Dees eliminated herbicides and pesticides across the property that same year. Dees oversees every stage of production, drawing on old vine fruit from Sanford and Benedict and Solomon Hills alongside the estate's own vineyards.

This Chardonnay blends fruit from Bentrock and Radian, two of the estate's single vineyard sites in the cool, maritime influenced southwestern corner of the appellation. Bentrock contributes stone fruit density while Radian adds energetic minerality, a combination the winery considers a showcase of how its distinct sites can complement each other. The wine ages eleven months in a mix of new and neutral French oak with a small portion of stainless steel, a balance that builds texture without overwhelming the fruit.

The nose offers mango, green melon, honeysuckle, and wet gravel, with agave and lime zest adding lift. The palate is floral, dense, and elegant, carried by piercing acidity into a remarkably long finish. This wine pairs nicely with roasted halibut, buttered lobster, or a creamy risotto.