The Hilt Winery’s Rancho Salsipuedes lies a mere 13 miles from the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Here, the weather conditions are terrible for growing grapes. Blustery, cool winds continuously blow in from the Pacific, the soils are nutrient-poor, and there is very little rain. However, The Hilt uses each of these factors to its advantage. The cool temperatures ensure grapes maintain acidity throughout their development, and a strong diurnal shift from day to night allows for a long growing season, with grapes ripening slowly. The area’s nutrient-poor soils require grapes to dig deep into the earth to find water and nutrients, delivering low-yielding, highly concentrated fruit with natural character, as displayed in The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir.

It is a classic cool-climate expression of the variety that is enhanced by the vineyard’s surroundings, delivering structure, texture, and a lengthy, well-rounded mouthfeel.  The wine opens with aromas of wild thyme, sagebrush, and roses, with red and black berries. The expressive palate highlights the aromas with blackberry, black plum, black tea, and a mineral-rich earthiness highlighting the balance of tannin and acidity. Pair with roasted quail, mushroom risotto, or hard cheese. #Cheers