The Hilt Estate Chardonnay (Santa Rita Hills, CA) ‘22

The Hilt Estate Chardonnay from Santa Rita Hills showcases a vibrant, fruit-driven profile with aromas of ripe mango, green melon, honeysuckle, and wet gravel, complemented by agave and lime zest. The palate is seamless, balancing rich stone fruit flavors with precise acidity, a touch of malolactic roundness, and subtle oak influence. A blend of two of The Hilt’s acclaimed single-vineyard Chardonnays, The Estate Chardonnay combines the energy and minerality of Radian with the density of Bentrock, resulting in a wine with remarkable depth and a long, mouthwatering finish. Aged in a mix of new and neutral French oak with a touch of stainless steel, this wine is both elegant and complex, offering notes of white peaches, apricots, and tropical fruits, leading to a flinty finish. Rated highly by critics, including 91 points from Antonio Galloni and 94 points from James Suckling, this wine demonstrates the power of its estate vineyards.