Hilliard Bruce
Sky Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
I only needed to know that Greg Brewer was behind this label to take a chance. He is crafting Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for husband and wife John Hilliard & Christine Bruce, who are former artists and master gardeners who relocated from Houston to Santa Rita Hills in 2002 and purchased a 101 acre property with 21 acres under vine. Their 2012 Sky Pinot Noir presents high octane black cherry splashed across a myriad of earth tones that yields a juicy, yet savory style. In the secondary, citrus pith and floral notes juxtapose against loam and sandalwood.
I only needed to know that Greg Brewer was behind this label to take a chance. He is crafting Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for husband and wife John Hilliard & Christine Bruce, who are former artists and master gardeners who relocated from Houston to Santa Rita Hills in 2002 and purchased a 101 acre property with 21 acres under vine. Their 2012 Sky Pinot Noir presents high octane black cherry splashed across a myriad of earth tones that yields a juicy, yet savory style. In the secondary, citrus pith and floral notes juxtapose against loam and sandalwood.
Dec 1st, 2017Crunchy crisp cherry skins, brown spices - restrained alcohol - so focused and fresh - drink now
Crunchy crisp cherry skins, brown spices - restrained alcohol - so focused and fresh - drink now
1 person found it helpfulFeb 22nd, 2015Dark raspberry, cedar and oak notes. Good weight, more ripe red fruit and red licorice notes on a lengthy finish.
Dark raspberry, cedar and oak notes. Good weight, more ripe red fruit and red licorice notes on a lengthy finish.
May 2nd, 2015
This was quite good - and better than the 2013 Moon, which I’m pretty sure received a higher rating. Probably just past peak, however, so I wouldn’t advise hanging on to this one much longer.
This was quite good - and better than the 2013 Moon, which I’m pretty sure received a higher rating. Probably just past peak, however, so I wouldn’t advise hanging on to this one much longer.
Nov 29th, 2020Easily one of the better incarnations of this wine, the 2015 Sky is drinking really well. I think (but am not 100% certain) that by this vintage Greg Brewer had moved from Melville to John Hilliard’s operation just down the road on Route 246. Has many of the same characteristics you’d expect from a St Rita Hills pinot - beautiful bright strawberry-laced fruit, a bit of earth and spice, all wrapped together in a wine with a seamless mouthfeel. Very sad that life circumstances compelled John and his wife to shut HB down, but this wine is a terrific reflection of what they achieved in a very short space of time. Cheers!
Easily one of the better incarnations of this wine, the 2015 Sky is drinking really well. I think (but am not 100% certain) that by this vintage Greg Brewer had moved from Melville to John Hilliard’s operation just down the road on Route 246. Has many of the same characteristics you’d expect from a St Rita Hills pinot - beautiful bright strawberry-laced fruit, a bit of earth and spice, all wrapped together in a wine with a seamless mouthfeel. Very sad that life circumstances compelled John and his wife to shut HB down, but this wine is a terrific reflection of what they achieved in a very short space of time. Cheers!
May 12th, 2020Very good, but not off-scale. Was a bit thin through the mid-palate (but had very nice berry notes to it).
Very good, but not off-scale. Was a bit thin through the mid-palate (but had very nice berry notes to it).
Jan 26th, 2020Took a while to open up. But man! Once it did the aromas are beautiful! Fruity fragrant bouquet. Nice and tight balance of flavors of fruit and tannin. Don’t let it sit till the next day though. Even with vacuvin the quality drops dramatically. Amazing top wine at a relatively reasonable price. Got a deal before they sold out, gotta keep an eye out for more!
Took a while to open up. But man! Once it did the aromas are beautiful! Fruity fragrant bouquet. Nice and tight balance of flavors of fruit and tannin. Don’t let it sit till the next day though. Even with vacuvin the quality drops dramatically. Amazing top wine at a relatively reasonable price. Got a deal before they sold out, gotta keep an eye out for more!
Apr 7th, 2019
Santa Barbara. Fantastic stuff. Compelling and rich.
Santa Barbara. Fantastic stuff. Compelling and rich.
Jun 11th, 2017