The Hilt

The Vanguard Pinot Noir

9.021 ratings
9.33 pro ratings
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
Sipping Fine Wine

On our recent CA trip, we tasted wine from The Hilt, their 2013 Vanguard Pinot Noir. Aged 40% new French oak and 60% neutral French oak, dark Ruby with aromas of black fruits with a touch of smoky spice notes. The palate is complex brings forth concentrated black cherry and slightly tart strawberry fruit, spice, with bold dusty tannins. The finish had earthy and smoky tones and lingered through the ending. Very Nice, small production, 1400 cases. Tasting Sample.

On our recent CA trip, we tasted wine from The Hilt, their 2013 Vanguard Pinot Noir. Aged 40% new French oak and 60% neutral French oak, dark Ruby with aromas of black fruits with a touch of smoky spice notes. The palate is complex brings forth concentrated black cherry and slightly tart strawberry fruit, spice, with bold dusty tannins. The finish had earthy and smoky tones and lingered through the ending. Very Nice, small production, 1400 cases. Tasting Sample.

Oct 14th, 2016
Zach Cherry

Account Manager Worldwide Wine & Spirits

9.2

Much more masculine than I'd expect. Hard, tight notes of leather, wild berries (strawberry and raspberry), a bit sulfuric on the initial open, but stretches out nicely over a quarter hour. Tasty Pinot with some kick.

Much more masculine than I'd expect. Hard, tight notes of leather, wild berries (strawberry and raspberry), a bit sulfuric on the initial open, but stretches out nicely over a quarter hour. Tasty Pinot with some kick.

Aug 29th, 2016
I- Man
8.9

Good Daily drink

Good Daily drink

Nov 28th, 2019
Eric

Zzzz

Zzzz

Oct 23rd, 2018
David Kebrdle

Very soft and fruit forward served with classic spaghetti with red sauce. Not too light and will be a crowd pleaser.

Very soft and fruit forward served with classic spaghetti with red sauce. Not too light and will be a crowd pleaser.

Jan 22nd, 2017
Eric

Good QPR. Won't win any awards for complexity, but it's got a nice strawberry nose, medium/full body, and a unique citrusy finish. Nice acid so I'm guessing it will hang out for a bit. Bought three, will be interesting to see how it progresses over the years. I'd buy it again.

Good QPR. Won't win any awards for complexity, but it's got a nice strawberry nose, medium/full body, and a unique citrusy finish. Nice acid so I'm guessing it will hang out for a bit. Bought three, will be interesting to see how it progresses over the years. I'd buy it again.

Oct 2nd, 2016
Al Shikoh

Deep garnet color. Sweet dark fruit is dominant with hints of tobacco and baking spice finishing with tart acidity.

Deep garnet color. Sweet dark fruit is dominant with hints of tobacco and baking spice finishing with tart acidity.

Jun 19th, 2016
Jim Anderson

Jim had this 8 years ago

Jim had this 8 years ago

Mar 11th, 2016
Bev Perry

Bev had this 5 months ago

Bev had this 5 months ago

Nov 22nd, 2023
Brad Kalish

Brad had this 4 years ago

Brad had this 4 years ago

Aug 12th, 2020