2019 The Hilt Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills Bentrock Vineyard

97 points James Suckling: “This is a fantastic chardonnay with sliced green-apple, cooked-apple, nougat and slate aromas. Some dried chili, too. Medium-bodied palate that grows full and tangy, with a vibrant finish of candied lemons and sliced limes. Salty and intense. Unique. Drink or hold.

95 points Jeb Dunnuck: “Even better, the 2019 Chardonnay Bentrock Vineyard boasts a thrilling, richer, medium to full-bodied style that shows winemaker Matt Dees’ vibrant, chiseled style while still bringing ample fruit. White peach, caramelized orchard fruits, toasted almonds and spice emerge on the nose, and it has a Chablis on steroids-like style that will evolve gracefully for a decade. Drink: 2021-2031.

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): “The 2019 Chardonnay Bentrock opens with super-expressive aromatics. Chalk, white pepper, mint, lemon peel and slate race out of the glass. The 2019 exudes tremendous aromatic complexity and vertical energy. There is a touch of reduction, but not enough to be a distraction. The Bentrock is a Chardonnay of tremendous distinction and personality. Drink: 2022-2029.

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 96 Points: Clearly very rich yet offering a starkly dry impression, the nose of this wine fans out as a focused medly of white peach, apricot pit and lemon zest poised above contrasting notes of mace, white pepper, chalk and sea shell. Fresh lemon, peach pit, crunchy fresh apple and sea shell flavors dominate on the mid-palate where there is an impression of scale and richness despite the wines intrinsic firmness. The finish is quite long and the wines combination of opulence and hard edged minerality suggests service with the more extravagant fish and fowl entrees. 294 6-packs produced.