The Hilt Pinot Noir Sta. Rita Hills Estate 2022

94 points Decanter: "The 2022 Estate Pinot Noir features old-vine fruit from Bentrock and Radian Vineyard from a warmer-than-average growing season. The result is striking fruit intensity with a dense, velveteen texture on the palate. Fruit flavours weave melodically through layers of warm baking spices, sweet tobacco, and savoury, earthen tones reminiscent of foraged mushrooms and dried sage. Bold blackberry and cherry fruit concentrations hint at the excellent ageing potential. This very formal Pinot Noir finishes with silky tannins, and long linear acidity lingers long after the wine is gone. It will continue to evolve, with 7-10 years being the sweet spot for peak enjoyment. Drinking window 2024-2034 (Sep 2024)"

94 points Jim Gordon (JamesSuckling.com): "Beautiful dark, dusky fruit and precise balance give this medium-bodied wine a good, linear drive and refreshing texture. Red and black cherries, good acidity and subtle savory, spicy nuances. Drink now or hold. (Oct 2024)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2022 Pinot Noir Estate is glorious. A rush of inky dark fruit, spice, lavender, licorice and mocha are all front and center. Plush and explosive, with tremendous textural density, the 2022 has so much to offer. This is an especially large-scale, voluptuous wine from The Hilt. Drink 2025-2034 (Aug 2024)"

93 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Black cherries, assorted darker berries, leafy herbs, sage, rose, and hints of iodine all emerge from the 2022 Pinot Noir Estate, a medium-bodied, complex, pretty, almost racy Pinot Noir that has solid depth of fruit, as well as a great finish. It blossoms with air, so don't be afraid to give this a decant if drinking any time soon. It should have an easy 10-12 years of prime drinking. Drink 2024-2036 (Aug 2024)"