Hyde de Villaine HdV, Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, California, 2021

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.

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Winemaker
Guillame Boudet

Grape / Blend
Chardonnay

Origin
Carneros, California

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Aromas of Asian pear, melon and Meyer lemon are lifted by delicate citrus and jasmine flowers. Subtle savory notes of toasted hazelnut, flint and a touch of saline bring balance to the elegant fruit flavors. In the palate, a “nervy” edge to the wine plays beautifully with lemon curd and gentle sensation of creaminess. Concentration of this vintage lends to an extended finish that is focused by the agility of the acidity. 

99 Points - James Suckling
The wine blooms with pear blossoms, lemons, lime zest, tangerines, lemon blossoms, then creamy but delicate flavors of butter, vanilla bean, lemon curd, chalky minerals and salinity. Medium- to full-bodied, it finishes long and lingering. It was the Hyde Vineyard’s smallest harvest in many years, but the mix of 70% Wente clone and 30% Calera clone grapes from 30- to 42-year-old vines brings a wonderful intensity. Best from 2028.

97 Points - Vinous
The 2021 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is fabulous. Rich and dramatic, with tremendous textural intensity, the 2021 possesses remarkable depth. Tangerine oil, mint, white flowers, honey and hazelnut are all amplified. This mind-blowing, dynamic Chardonnay is an absolute stunner. Give it a year or two to come together.

93 Points - Wine Advocate
The 2021 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyards is detailed and mineral driven, with aromas of saline, green pear, yellow apples, crème fraîche, almonds and lemon blossom. The light-bodied palate is precise and shimmery, balancing perfumed flavors with firm acidity, and it has a long, gently creamy finish. It will benefit from 3-5 years in the cellar. 

Product size: 750ml