The Hilt Bentrock Vineyard Chardonnay Sta. Rita Hills 2019

Being affiliated with one of the most iconic wine brands ever produced in California, if not the world, does carry serious clout. But Screaming Eagle's sister winery, The Hilt, does not need to ride on the coattails of its older sibling. The many remarkable and dynamic elements that come together to make this brand so striking on its own are irrefutable. Under owner Stan Kroenke's famously hands-off tutelage, Winemaker Matt Dees and Viticulturist Ruben Solorzano have been making Bordeaux influenced wines under the Jonata label in California's Central Coast Santa Ynez appellation since its inception in 2000. Just a couple of years later, they headed down south to Sta. Rita Hills to produce a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir called La Poesia de Jonata, coming from the very best sites that California has to offer for these two varietals. After spending years falling in love with the Sta. Rita Hills AVA and searching for sites where they could farm their own vineyards, Matt Dees and the team finally succeeded in their quest in 2014, coining their new home The Hilt.

Situated on the Hilt Estate are two vineyards renowned in the Sta. Rita Hills AVA for producing dynamic Chardonnay and Pinot Noir: The Bentrock Vineyard and the Radian Vineyard. Matt and the team proudly debuted their single vineyard bottlings in 2018, and their sophomore release does not disappoint! Situated over 500 feet above sea level, the Bentrock Vineyard is comprised of long, rolling hills that are reminiscent of some of Burgundy's most prized vineyard sites. Though the altitude is high, the ridges are not steep. These high elevations allow for a long, cool ripening season, so the grapes can accumulate ample sugars while still retaining fresh acidity. Aged in 33% new French oak barrels and 67% once and twice used barrels for 12 months, the 2019 Chardonnay boasts aromas of white flowers, marzipan and apricot brioche with subtle hints of lavender and lemon verbena. The palate is drenched with vibrant lemon curd, a touch of peach cobbler and sweet cream. You can almost sense the added maturity of the vines with the more luscious, yet chalky texture. Should certainly benefit from time in the cellar but it is a knockout today paired with grilled chicken Caesar salad.