Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2018 Pinot Noir Larry Hyde comes bounding out of the glass with exuberant notes of Morello cherries, pomegranate and raspberry coulis, plus hints of roses, tilled soil and wild sage. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is laden with intense red berry layers, framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed.
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Connoisseurs' Guide
If we were asked to name the vineyards that lead the way in growing great wines in California, Mr. Hyde's place in Carneros would be among the leaders of that list. This winsome edition shows off the vineyard's way with Pinot, and what a fine wine it is. From its outgoing, yet still youthfully vibrant, fruit-driven aromas of ripe, slightly tart red cherries to its silky feel on the palate, it hits all the right notes. It is admittedly a little rough on the finish at present, but it has so much aging potential that we have no second thoughts about consigning it to a special nook well back in the cellar and letting it evolve for a minimum of another five years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lots of ripe strawberry and blackberry fruits as well as spice and flowery incense notes emerge from the 2018 Pinot Noir, a layered, ripe, medium-bodied Pinot Noir that has terrific balance as well as length.
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.