95 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

"A wine of precision and translucent purity, the 2013 Chardonnay Old Guard is superb. Here, the greater reliance on Santa Maria fruit over Sta. Rita Hills, aging in neutral oak and mostly blocked-malo style come together to yield a vibrant, pulsating Chardonnay built on energy. Lemon peel, white flowers, green orchard fruit and chalk are all given an extra kick of brightness of acidity on the finish, where a slight element of Burgundian-inflected reduction adds further nuance. This is a stunning Chardonnay from The Hilt and Winemaker Matt Dees."

94 Jeb Dunnuck - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Slightly more chiseled and energetic than the Vanguard (I actually prefer the aromatics on the Vanguard), the 2013 Chardonnay Old Guard offers lots of salty minerality in its citrus blossom, crushed rock and stone fruit-driven bouquet. Medium-bodied, tight, taut and focused on the palate, with bright acidity that stays nicely integrated, it's another classy and impeccably made Chardonnay from this team to drink over the coming decade. This comes from the oldest vines of the Sanford & Benedict Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and the Solomon Hills Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley and spent 11 months in all neutral oak barrels."