HYDE DE VILLAINE HDV, CHARDONNAY, HYDE VINEYARD, CARNEROS, CALIFORNIA, 2018

Overview of the Wine
Hyde de Villaine is a family venture between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy. Aubert de Villaine, Co-Director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, married Larry Hyde’s cousin, Pamela (nee Fairbanks), bringing the two families together. Hyde de Villaine wines represent the shared histories and winemaking philosophies of these families and one iconic single vineyard.

From inception, Hyde de Villaine has had one mandate, create wines that capture the true essence of vineyard and deliver it to the glass…no exceptions. The families strive to reach this goal each vintage because it is their belief that an unadulterated expression of exceptional terroir is what separates good wines from truly great wines.

Located on the eastern edge of the Carneros appellation, Hyde Vineyard is regarded as one of Napa Valley’s preeminent vineyards. Growing fruit for many of the region’s elite wineries, Hyde Vineyard produces some of the most sought-after grapes in Napa Valley. For almost four decades, Larry Hyde has managed all aspects of the vineyard including clonal selections.

Hyde de Villaine’s philosophy is that the best and most respectful winemaking is done prior to harvest in the vineyard. A range of biodynamic, organic and sustainable practices are used in the vineyard to ensure its viabililty for generations to come. The winemaking team spends countless hours working year-round with the vines to ensure that only the best quality fruit arrives at the winery. The ability to utilize multiple tank types allows Hyde de Villaine the flexibility to express the distinctive characteristics of each block. All wines are unfined and unfiltered.

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Carneros, California

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes
Freshness and brightness take center stage in the precise structure of this wine. Aromas of jasmine and lime blossom pair with Meyer lemon and green apple, which lead to hints of baking spices and toasted brioche. The palate bursts with vibrant acidity and mouth-coating textures, giving way to a lingering mineral-driven finish. The focus and tension of this wine promise aging for years to come.

98 Points – James Suckling
Opulent aromas of cooked apple, lemon rind, light praline and stone. Full-bodied with linear and lively acidity that runs through the wine. Energetic and bright with tightness and structure. Steely. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2018 Chardonnay is powerful and hedonistic, with a touch less aromatic purity than its excellent 2019 counterpart. It opens with flinty aromas that segue to white peaches, baked apples, beeswax, roasted almonds and baking spices. The medium-bodied palate is textural and concentrated with flinty accents and rounded acidity, finishing with lots of savory layers and a compelling hint of dried sage.

93 Points – Wine Spectator
Elegantly fruity, with tropical nuances to the rich white fruit and spice flavors that are well-structured. Tangerine hints mid palate lead to a spicy finish that offers brioche accents. Drink now through 2024.

Product size: 750ml