Hyde de Villaine Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Hyde Vineyard is located in the Napa Valley appellation, specifically in the Los Carneros sub-appellation. The vineyard's soils consist primarily of Haire Loam Clay, providing ideal conditions for cultivating Chardonnay. The vines, aged between 30 to 42 years, benefit from a south by southeast exposure, which promotes optimal ripening of the grapes.

The vineyard is certified Napa Green Land and Fish Friendly Farming, with Larry Hyde employing a variety of biodynamic and organic practices. The estate is also committed to sustainable practices, utilizing solar energy and adhering to a vegan philosophy.

Winemaking

The Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay is composed of 100% Chardonnay, sourced from Hyde's distinct genetic selections, including Old Wente and Calera. The wine is aged for 18 months in 20% new French oak barrels. The fermentation process is unfiltered and unfined, ensuring the wine retains its natural clarity and character.

The Old Wente selection contributes a distinctive aromatic profile and high acidity due to its tendency for millerandage, while the Calera selection (known as the Hyde clone) adds minerality and unique stone fruit notes.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright, pale yellow with golden highlights.
• Aroma: Aromas of Asian pear, melon, and Meyer lemon are lifted by delicate citrus and jasmine flowers. Subtle savory notes of toasted hazelnut, flint, and a touch of saline bring balance to the elegant fruit flavors.
• Palate: A "nervy" edge on the palate plays beautifully with lemon curd and a gentle sensation of creaminess. The concentration of this vintage lends to an extended finish, focused by the wine's agile acidity.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Creamy Lobster: The creamy texture and subtle flavors of the Chardonnay perfectly complement the richness of lobster.
• Herb-Roasted Chicken: The toasty and fruity notes of the wine harmonize with the savory flavors of roasted chicken.
• Mushroom Risotto: The wine's minerality pairs well with the earthy flavors of mushrooms.
• Goat Cheese: The freshness and acidity of the Chardonnay balance the rich and tangy profile of goat cheese.

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.