The Hilt's Radian Vineyard is described by winemaker Matt Dees as an extreme site: ascending to over 1,000 metres above sea level, steep, exposed and moon-like in its barren, rocky character. This elevation and exposure maximises the cool maritime airflow from the Pacific, producing Pinot Noir of extraordinary tension, precision and mineral intensity. The Radian is The Hilt's most compelling single-vineyard Pinot Noir expression, standing apart from the Estate blend (which includes Radian, Bentrock and Sanford and Benedict fruit) through its singular, high-altitude mineral character.

The Santa Rita Hills AVA is defined by the east-west orientation of its transverse mountain ranges, which channel cold Pacific ocean air directly into the vineyards and produce some of California's coolest and most precisely defined Pinot Noir growing conditions. At Radian's extreme elevation, these conditions are amplified to a degree that consistently produces wines of unusual structure and longevity for the variety, with critics noting the site's distinctive rocky, mineral and racy profile. The 2022 vintage's warmth added flesh and generosity to Radian's natural austerity.

The Hilt's Radian Vineyard Pinot Noir has attracted strong critical attention across multiple vintages, with the estate's other releases earning scores including Decanter 94, James Suckling 94, Vinous 93 for the 2022 Estate blend. The single-vineyard Radian expression surpasses the estate blend in intensity and site specificity, and represents The Hilt's most precise and age-worthy Pinot Noir statement.

Best from 2027 to 2040. Decant two hours before service. Pair with roasted duck, mushroom-based preparations or pinot-friendly aged cheese.

Deep ruby with excellent colour concentration. The nose shows Radian's distinctive high-altitude character: dark cherry, pomegranate, iron mineral, rose petal and sage, with the elevation's natural freshness giving an almost saline, rocky quality. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, well-structured tannins, electric acidity and a long, focused mineral finish. Precise and site-specific.