The Hilt : Estate Chardonnay 2019

Tasting characteristics and advice for The Hilt’s Estate Chardonnay 2019

Tasting

Appearance
The wine shows a pale yellow hue with golden highlights.

Nose
The nose opens on fresh citrus aromas, notably lemon and grapefruit, alongside notes of green apple and white flowers. A subtle saline touch adds complexity to the whole.

Palate
On the palate, this Chardonnay is precise and elegant, carried by fine mineral tension. Lively acidity gives structure while flavors of citrus and green apple linger. A hallmark saline note underlines the finish, bringing freshness and length to the tasting experience.

Food and wine pairings

This Chardonnay pairs perfectly with seafood, especially oysters and shellfish. It also matches beautifully with grilled fish, roast poultry, or soft, creamy cheeses.

Serving and cellaring

Serve the Estate Chardonnay 2019 between 10 and 12 °C to fully appreciate its freshness and aromatic complexity. This wine can be enjoyed now but will continue to develop through around 2031.

A mineral, taut Chardonnay from Santa Barbara County

The estate

Founded in the 2000s, The Hilt is a California estate specializing in crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Owned by billionaire Stan Kroenke and his wife Ann Walton Kroenke, the estate has been led from the outset by the talented Matt Dees. Based at Rancho Salsipuedes in the Sta. Rita Hills, The Hilt farms three distinct vineyards: Radian, Bentrock, and Puerta del Mar. In 2019, the estate inaugurated its new facilities, marking a major milestone in its development. The Hilt has established itself as one of Santa Barbara County’s most renowned producers, recognized for its American wines of great precision and remarkable expression of terroir.

The vineyard

The Estate Chardonnay 2019 comes from the three vineyards located in the far southwest of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation in California. These parcels benefit from a north-facing exposure and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, about twenty kilometers from the coast. The soils are primarily composed of limestone, diatomaceous earth, and clay, lending the wines a distinctive minerality. The cool, windy climate of this coastal area allows the grapes to ripen slowly while preserving high natural acidity. The vineyard is farmed organically, without the use of herbicides or pesticides.

The vintage

The 2019 vintage in California was marked by cool, balanced conditions. This year allowed the grapes to reach optimal ripeness while retaining fine freshness and pronounced natural acidity—key characteristics for producing elegant, mineral-driven Chardonnays.

Winemaking and aging

After the harvest, the Estate Chardonnay 2019 grapes were pressed and then lightly oxidized before being transferred to barrels. Alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation took place in 228-liter French oak barrels. Aging lasted eleven months, with a breakdown of 34% new barrels, 56% neutral barrels, and 10% in stainless steel tanks. The lees were not stirred during aging, favoring an approach that respects the fruit and preserves the wine’s aromatic purity.

Grape variety

100% Chardonnay.