Hyde De Villaine Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016

SKU
HVCH201610 UCAU
  • Fruit is sourced from one of the coolest, windiest vineyards in Carneros.
  • Crafted from old vine California clones, this wine is light and energetic on the palate
  • everything a balanced Carneros Chardonnay should be: expressive of terroir, fruit and climate.
  • 1 or more bottles
    $170.01
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  • Antonio Galloni
    92 points

Editors notes

2016 started with a cold and wet winter, which gave the vines a well-deserved dormancy after the fast-paced growing season of 2015. Bud break occurred in mid-March and was followed by a dry and warm spring. This resulted in a healthy and vigorous canopy and ideal pollination. Heavy fog in early August slowed down the maturation process and allowed for optimal phenolic development while retaining the freshness and natural acidity Hyde Vineyard is known for. Our 2016 harvest began the second week of August and was completed by the first week of October.

High-toned aromas of mandarin blossom and lemongrass frame a core of zested meyer lemon and Freestone peach. This wine shows focus and precision, yet surprisingly balanced opulence. Crushed seashell minerality flirts across the palate and accentuates the fresh-picked pear and Braeburn apple flavors. Finishing with warming clove and a hint of gunpowder and flint, this wine impresses from start to finish. Its balanced structure promises enjoyment in its youth but also decades of ageability.

Details

Tasting Profile

  • Light (Light)
    Full (Full)
  • Low Tannin (Low Tannin)
    Tannic (Tannic)
  • Sweet (Sweet)
    Dry (Dry)
  • Low Acidity (Low Acidity)
    High Acidity (High Acidity)
  • Aroma
    • Apple
    • Lemon
    • Nectarine
  • Palate
    • Apple
    • Cream
    • Peach

Food Pairings

  • Cheese
  • Fish
  • Poultry

Critic Scores & reviews

  • Antonio Galloni

    92
    "The 2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a very pretty wine. Gentle apricot, tangerine, spice, dried flowers and mint are all woven together. Although quite subtle, the 2016 has plenty of structure, it is just expressed in an understated manner. There is so much to admire in this pristine Chardonnay from Hyde De Villaine. Silky and polished, the 2016 will drink well upon release."

Other vintages

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Locations

USA

The United States is now the fourth-largest producer of wine worldwide, with an abundance of grapevines planted in many wine regions, though Californian accounts for almost 90% of the country's output. In the late 1800s, the root louse phylloxera decimated many of the vineyards in Europe. It originated in the soils of North America where the vines are naturally resistant and was transferred to Europe on vine cuttings. In this case, North America was both the cause of the problem, and the solution, in the form of resistant rootstock for grafting.

It wasn’t until 1973 when Stag’s Leap Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay from Château Montelana were judged to be the best in the world at the famous Paris Wine Show that the quality of the Californian wine industry was truly confirmed in the eyes of Europe.

Most all varieties are planted these days in the United States, from Syrah to Tempranillo, Pinot Noir to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Viognier and every blend in between. Key varieties are Californian Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay. Cooler climates such as Oregon and Washington produce brilliant Pinot Noir. Even states previously considered too hot and arid for wine, like Arizona are being planted, with great results.

California

California is home not only to most of the wine production in the United States, but also to some of the country’s most renowned wines. Thanks to a climate that features warmth, sunshine, cooling influences from ocean breezes and fog, and varying altitudes, California producers can make a wide range of wine styles. Among California’s black grape varieties are Cabernet Sauvignon (the state’s most widely planted black variety), Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. For white wines, the most prominent are Chardonnay (the most planted grape variety of either colour) and Sauvignon Blanc. Regionally speaking, California’s main vineyards fall under five regions, three of which contain most of the county appellations and American Viticultural Areas (AVAs): North Coast, Central Coast, and Central Valley (which produces most of the state’s wine). North Coast encompasses the counties of Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino. Central Coast includes the Santa Cruz Mountains and Monterey AVAs as well as San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, including the Paso Robles AVA and Santa Maria Valley AVA. Central Valley is home to the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys as well as the Lodi AVA.

Napa County

Not to be confused with the city of Napa or Napa Valley, California’s Napa County actually encompasses the Napa Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), the narrow strip of land stretching up the centre of the county that’s known as one of the state’s most renowned wine-producing areas. This was the first AVA designated in California, and it has built a global reputation for Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay single-varietal wines, among other varieties. Keep in mind that wines labelled ‘Napa County’ may be from Napa Valley, or they may be from a section of the county not covered by the Napa Valley AVA. Napa County is also home to wine-producing areas Yountville, St Helena, Calistoga, and others.

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