Winemaker Notes
This rare expression of Napa Valley winemaking is one of 120 bottles that will ever be made. Think of it as a bit of Napa Valley history in your cellar and celebrated in your glass.
After 30 years of providing grapes exclusively to clients , Larry Hyde planted a small-lot Pinot Noir block with his son, Christopher, to make an exclusive estate wine with fruit that no one besides the family has access to. This unique 100 percent Pinot Noir comes from the Los Carneros nested appellation, which provides slow ripening and slow accumulation of sugars while maintaining natural acidity, the ideal climate for Pinot Noir. Hand-harvested and hand-sorted, this block of grapes is not only one of Larry's favorites, but indicative of the unique Hyde Vineyard terroir.
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
Lovely mossy notes jump out, together with sous-bois, earthy berries, roasted licorice and spices. A richer palate for pinot, with medium to full body. Yet, it shows real character and firm, polished tannins. Good length with sweet berries.
As early as the 1970s Carneros became known as a source of terrific Pinot Noir, and was one of the first California regions to gain such a reputation. The combination of sunny days, cooling fog and thin clay soils are tailor-made for the variety. Another factor in Pinot Noir’s prominent place here is vintners’ willingness to experiment widely. The history of the grape in Carneros is marked by continuous research into clonal variations, viticultural techniques and site selection. Careful evaluation over time has revealed a signature flavor profile as well. Complex aromas and flavors of cherry, red berry, spice, earth and cola appear time and again in Carneros Pinot Noir. To this day the appellation remains one of California’s standard bearers for the variety.