Only had to ask three times “Are you SURE you don’t have any more Hilliard Bruce Pinots in the back?” Apparently the third time was the charm... out came a case of their flagship, the 2011 Sun Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County. Bright, but also lush, dark red fruit. Black cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry lead the charge, followed by a field of wildflowers, loads of spice, and a mix of underbrush and lemon acidity that really pushes the finish.
Only had to ask three times “Are you SURE you don’t have any more Hilliard Bruce Pinots in the back?” Apparently the third time was the charm... out came a case of their flagship, the 2011 Sun Pinot Noir from the Sta. Rita Hills AVA in Santa Barbara County. Bright, but also lush, dark red fruit. Black cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry lead the charge, followed by a field of wildflowers, loads of spice, and a mix of underbrush and lemon acidity that really pushes the finish.
1 person found it helpfulApr 12th, 2018
Very exotic and spiced bouquet raspberry coulis very rich and ripe pretty floral notes Asian spices very sexy on the tongue like silk on the tongue very thick and juicy with layers and layers of flavor exotic spice and floral notes wow lovely balance. Finish 50+ most excellent
Very exotic and spiced bouquet raspberry coulis very rich and ripe pretty floral notes Asian spices very sexy on the tongue like silk on the tongue very thick and juicy with layers and layers of flavor exotic spice and floral notes wow lovely balance. Finish 50+ most excellent
1 person found it helpfulAug 9th, 2013
I guess it’s closed wineries day with my posting, as Hilliard Bruce unfortunately had to close its doors a couple of years ago due to John Hilliard’s health. This a simple but elegant pinot with classic SB fruit on the nose, nice balance on the palate, and a graceful finish. Not convinced this will improve any more (it’s actually probably on its downslope), so I’d recommend enjoying this one now).
I guess it’s closed wineries day with my posting, as Hilliard Bruce unfortunately had to close its doors a couple of years ago due to John Hilliard’s health. This a simple but elegant pinot with classic SB fruit on the nose, nice balance on the palate, and a graceful finish. Not convinced this will improve any more (it’s actually probably on its downslope), so I’d recommend enjoying this one now).
Jan 27th, 2021
Not their best vintage by any means, but very tasty all the same! Mint and tobacco on the nose. A hint of red raspberries on the front. A light tannic structure, with high notes of cider on the end. Too bad Hilliard Bruce went out of business. They were the best of the Santa Rita AVA.
Not their best vintage by any means, but very tasty all the same! Mint and tobacco on the nose. A hint of red raspberries on the front. A light tannic structure, with high notes of cider on the end. Too bad Hilliard Bruce went out of business. They were the best of the Santa Rita AVA.
Nov 11th, 2019
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
