A richer style of Pinot that wraps the tongue in velvet, The Vanguard still maintains energy and firm structure. Wild blackberry and hints of dried sage are at the center of the wine, dense with fruit and subtle, but persistent tannins. Sourced from estate vineyards Bentrock and Radian, complemented by fruit from the famed Sanford & Benedict vineyard with vines between 8 and 44 years old, ‘The Vanguard’ sees 35% new French oak and 65% neutral French oak. We were thrilled to get our hands on some of the 2015 vintage, whose complexity has revealed over time and is showing beautifully.

The Hilt
This estate is, hands down, one of the most beautiful properties, not just in California, but period. With vineyards planted near 13 unobstructed miles from the Pacific, the site can be downright intrepid. Vines dig deep into the high-elevation, rocky, windy parcels, leading to wines with loads of freshness and minerality. Under the same ownership as Napa’s Screaming Eagle, The Hilt is empowered to seek the highest possible level of quality, and it is guided by the passionate vision of winemaker Matt Dees. Matt is one of the only people you may ever meet with both a wicked sense of humor and a degree in soil science. He made his way to Santa Rita Hills after experience at Napa’s Staglin Family Vineyard and New Zealand’s Craggy Range.