Winemaker Notes
This iconic site consistently delivers some of the most elegant and refined Pinots in our portfolio. The 2017 vintage provides bright red fruits, freshness, elegant tannins and vibrant acidity. The nose is filled with the signature dried rose petal and cinnamon character of Hyde Vineyard. Well-integrated and refined tannins are knit together with strawberry, raspberry and spice flavors. The mid-palate is rich but delicate, showing the elegance that is classic Hyde.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard, aged in 50% new oak, has a pale to medium ruby-purple color and a nose of cinnamon stick, charcuterie, baked cranberries, raspberries and boysenberry with oodles of violet and lilac perfume, licorice, tea leaves and fragrant earth. Light to medium-bodied, it’s bright, inviting and intense in the mouth with wonderful layering of earth, spice, amaro and floral notions. It’s energized by juicy acidity and structured with finely grained tannins, finishing long and flavorful. This is drinking beautifully now but will benefit from another year in bottle. 857 cases produced. Rating: 93+
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Wine Enthusiast
Stewed black fruit fills a dense texture-packed core of tannin and pronounced oak in this exuberant wine, with moderately structured acidity lending a balanced approach. Blue fruit and a touch of vanilla meet the palate head-on, showing a lifted intensity and noticeable length.
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Wine Spectator
Powerful, taut and well-structured, with toasty accents to the dried raspberry and cherry tart flavors, followed by hints of cinnamon bark that linger on the minerally finish.
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.