Within a remarkable set of wines, the 2023 Pinot Noir Radian Vineyard gets my nod as the most multidimensional wine in The Hilt's portfolio. While several wines in the lineup display oceanic, kelp and nori-like aromas...

The 2021 Jonata Todos Vineyard Red Blend delivers a smooth and inviting drinking experience, brimming with enticing aromas and flavours of pomegranate, cherry, red liquorice, vanilla, grilled herbs, and lilacs. Medium to...

Packed without being muscular, this bursts with energy, resulting in a vivacious feel as boysenberry, morello cherry and blood orange reduction notes pump along. The core is infused with nervy pennyroyal and savory notes...

Bold aromas of black cherry, dark plum and woody herb show on the nose of this block-designated bottling. The palate pops with acidic energy that bisects the dark fruit and rich woodspice flavors. MATT KETTMANN

Earthy aromas of riverbed and crushed stone open up into lemon blossom and citrus peel on the nose of this estate bottling. There's a lime pith grip to the palate, where ample citrus edges cut into the dried apple...

Mouthwatering, intense and generous, with a core of citrus flavors including Sumo orange, lime zest and salted, preserved lemon, plus fresh ginger. Pretty, aromatic notes of orange blossoms and sweetgrass linger on the...

The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills is again centered around Radian, which forms just over half the blend, followed by almost equal parts of Bentrock and Sanford & Benedict. It opens with a darker-fruited profile...

The 2019 Relevant Cabernet Sauvignon matured for 20 months in new, once- and twice-filled French oak barrels. Deep ruby, it features pure aromas of cassis, grilled meats, warm chocolate, dried herbs, roasted peppers and...

Leading off the reds, the 2022 Pinot Noir Presqu'Ile Vineyard comes from a cool-climate site just outside of Santa Maria and was completely destemmed and brought up in barrel. Bright cherry, mulberries, forest floor, and...

The 2022 Chardonnay Estate is an open-knit, creamy expression of the vintage energized by delicate accents of crushed stone and citrus blossoms. The palate is svelte, polished and amply concentrated before transitioning...

Light raspberry-sorbet notes meet with fresh fennel fronds, pepper and cinnamon on the nose of this bottling from Chad Melville and family. It's tight and tart on the palate, with dried cranberry, pine needle and...

Aromas of forest berries with some subtle cloves. Fresh thyme and sage. Full to medium body. Very fine tannins. Crushed stone and herbs. Hints of spicy dark chocolate. Drink or hold.

(94 + points) The pale ruby-purple colored 2021 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard features alluring red currant jelly, lavender oil, and spearmint scents, leading to hints of red cherries and raspberry leaves, with...

Aromatics of ripe berries and lively dried spices leap out of the glass from this wine a selection of four blocks across the Bien Nacido site. White and green peppercorn, dessert scrub and wild strawberries mark the...

The 2023 Chardonnay Estate is a crystal-clear representation of the new Chardonnay approach at The Hilt, bursting from the glass with a quintessential bouquet of dried kelp, iodine, citrus rinds and green orchard fruits...