Winemaker Notes
Aromas of Golden Delicious apple and honeysuckle are balanced by hints of nutmeg, saline and white pepper. Subtle herbal tones of lemon verbena lend to a “nervy” edge of this wine that cuts through the palate. Flavors of apricot and mango round out the brighter tones of lime and other bright citrus. The lean texture and a tension in the wine promises to reward those that are able to cellar.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
A stunning, expressive white, with a savory, minerally edge that's distinctive and crisp, imparting elegance and restraint on the core of Honeycrisp apple, Meyer lemon and pureed mango flavors. Reveals hints of lemon thyme, nutmeg, toasted sesame seed and additional spices that linger on the fresh finish.
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James Suckling
This shows the ripeness of the vintage, with aromas of dried apples, pineapple, honey and light butterscotch. Full-bodied and very flavorful, with density and depth. A honeycomb-on-toast aftertaste.
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Vinous
The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard shows greater focus and tension than the Debut, along with the natural richness that is so characteristic of this site. Lemon confit, honeysuckle, white flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this attractive Chardonnay from Hyde De Villaine. There's real depth and intensity here.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.