Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a barrel-fermented and -aged white from the famous grower site in Carneros, which does justice to its soulful sense of place. Brioche and nutmeg aromas lead to a midpalate of succulent green apple, pear and oak, with lifted, bright and layered acidity. Complex and completely delicious, it remains focused and balanced throughout.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Chardonnay Hyde comes from Musque clone vines planted in 1992. Aged in 100% new French oak, it takes its time to open to pretty aromas of cashews, white flowers, lemon cream and gunflint. The palate is light-bodied and silky with expansive flavor layers, bright freshness and a long, delicate finish.
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.