Hyde de Villaine Californio Syrah 2019

Region and Vineyards

Californio Syrah 2018 is sourced from the Hyde Vineyard, located at the eastern edge of the Los Carneros AVA in Napa Valley. Known for its cool-climate conditions, Carneros benefits from marine influences that moderate temperatures, promoting a long growing season with excellent flavor development.

The vineyard’s Haire clay loam soils, layered with ancient terraces and alluvial fans, provide excellent drainage and nutrient balance. This 2.1-acre block of Syrah, with vines aged between 18 and 24 years, is carefully managed to produce low yields of high-quality fruit. The site’s southeast exposure ensures optimal sunlight for ripening while preserving the natural acidity of the grapes.

Winemaking

Californio Syrah 2018 is crafted from 100% Syrah, harvested on October 3 and 5, 2018. The vintage benefited from a mild growing season with warm days and cool nights, allowing the fruit to develop complexity and balance.

The wine underwent barrel aging for 16 months in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak to enhance its structure and aromatic profile. Bottled unfined and unfiltered on February 14, 2020, the wine retains its natural texture and purity, with an alcohol level of 13.9%.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Deep garnet with purple hues.
• Aroma: Rich aromas of plum and blueberry framed by notes of black pepper, iron, and rosemary.
• Palate: Fine-grained tannins deliver flavors of smoked meat, fennel seed, and Mission fig, complemented by hints of Japanese plum candy and sweet lavender.
• Finish: Long and structured, with a balance of masculine, savory tones and refined floral sweetness.

Did you know?

The name Californio honors the early Spanish settlers of California, known as Californios, who shaped the region’s cultural and agricultural legacy. Hyde de Villaine’s roots trace back to these pioneers, blending history and viticulture in this remarkable Syrah.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Braised short ribs with rosemary and garlic: The savory richness and herbal notes of the dish echo the wine’s smoky, peppery complexity.
• Grilled lamb chops with fennel and thyme: The wine’s herbal and meat-driven flavors harmonize beautifully with the lamb’s earthy, aromatic profile.
• Duck breast with fig reduction: The wine’s fig and plum notes complement the sweetness and richness of the duck.
• Charcuterie with aged Manchego and smoked meats: The Syrah’s savory and floral layers balance the bold flavors of cured meats and nutty cheeses.

History of Hyde de Villaine Estate

The story of Hyde de Villaine began in 2000, merging the expertise and heritage of two distinguished wine families. The Hyde family, known for their viticultural excellence in Napa Valley, joined forces with Aubert de Villaine, co-director of the esteemed Domaine de la Romanée-Conti in Burgundy.

This unique partnership brings together Old World traditions and New World innovation, creating wines that reflect the terroir, the varietal, and the vintage with minimal intervention.

Larry Hyde contributes his extensive experience in California farming, particularly in Carneros, while Aubert de Villaine imparts the refined winemaking techniques of Burgundy.

Region and Vineyards

Hyde de Villaine wines are exclusively produced from the Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, Napa Valley. Purchased by the Hyde family over 33 years ago, this vineyard is renowned for producing some of the best single-vineyard wines in the country. The vineyard spans sedimentary terraces with shallow, loamy soil and ancient streambeds, combined with the cool Carneros climate and gentle winds, creating moderate hydric stress that maximizes vine potential.

The vineyard practices sustainable viticulture, minimizing soil compaction and promoting a healthy microbial ecosystem. Avoiding chemical fertilizers and herbicides, the vines thrive in a naturally balanced environment, with beneficial organisms and bacteria helping to naturally repel diseases. Insectary flowers are planted throughout the vineyard to combat pests without pesticides.

Winemaking

All grapes at Hyde de Villaine are hand-picked and meticulously sorted to ensure only the finest clusters are used. The winery is designed to handle grapes gently, using gravity to minimize mechanical pumping. Custom equipment and co-fermentation of specific lots enhance the distinctive characteristics of each lot. The wines are aged in French oak barrels, with winemaker Stéphane Vivier overseeing each barrel personally until the final blend is created.

Stéphane Vivier, who joined the venture in 2002, brings his expertise in viticulture and winemaking from Burgundy. Born and raised in Burgundy, France, Stéphane has honed his skills in renowned vineyards and cellars, adapting strict viticultural and vinification techniques to the unique fruit of Hyde Vineyard.

Wine Range

• Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay: The flagship wine, Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay, stands out for its minerality, structure, and natural acidity. Sourced from older vines, it undergoes aging in French oak (20% new) for 12 months, followed by three months in stainless steel and 14 months of bottle maturation. This wine, reminiscent of grand cru Burgundy, has a great aging potential of up to two decades.
• Hyde de Villaine Belle Cousine: A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from 22-year-old vines, Belle Cousine is named in honor of Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine, Larry Hyde’s cousin. This wine expresses the character of the place with a minerality cherished by the Burgundian palate.

Did you know?

The label of Hyde de Villaine wines bears the coat of arms of the De la Guerra family, one of California's oldest winemaking families, symbolizing the rich tradition, family heritage, and winemaking history that HdV embodies.