Hyde de Villaine Ysabel Pinot Noir 2018

Region and Vineyards

Ysabel Pinot Noir 2018 is sourced from the Van der Kamp Vineyard on Sonoma Mountain, an area celebrated for its cool-climate conditions and diverse soils. The vineyard, located at an elevation of 1,400 feet above Kenwood, benefits from southeastern exposure, ensuring optimal sunlight for grape ripening while retaining vibrant acidity due to cooler nighttime temperatures.

The vines, aged 18 to 19 years, are rooted in Speckles loam and volcanic tuff soils, which provide excellent drainage and contribute to the wine’s minerality and complexity. This 3-acre block is carefully managed to produce low yields of high-quality fruit, embodying the unique character of Sonoma Mountain.

Winemaking

Ysabel Pinot Noir 2018 is made from 100% Pinot Noir, harvested on September 14, 2018. The grapes underwent fermentation with precision to capture the vineyard’s distinctiveness. The wine was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak, allowing for subtle integration of wood flavors while maintaining the purity of the fruit.

This Pinot Noir was bottled unfined and unfiltered on March 13, 2019, preserving its natural texture and complexity. With an alcohol level of 13.2%, this wine is a perfect balance of power and elegance.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Bright ruby with a translucent brilliance.
• Aroma: Enchanting floral notes of rose perfume, pink peppercorn, and green tea, layered with hints of pomegranate, macerated strawberry, and weathered cedar.
• Palate: Cranberry and wild raspberry flavors intertwine with well-defined tannins, offering a texture reminiscent of Chinese five-spice. Herbal undertones of thyme and rosemary add depth, while vibrant acidity provides a clean, structured finish.
• Finish: Long and refined, with evolving complexity and freshness.

Did you know?

The name Ysabel honors a family matriarch and celebrates the Hyde family’s Spanish-California heritage. The Hyde de Villaine crest, derived from the de la Guerra family of Spain, has adorned every bottle since the winery’s founding in 2000.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Duck confit with cherry reduction: The wine’s vibrant acidity and red fruit notes enhance the richness of the duck and the sweet tanginess of the sauce.
• Herb-crusted lamb chops: The herbal undertones of the wine harmonize beautifully with the earthy flavors of the lamb and fresh herbs.
• Mushroom and thyme tart: The earthy complexity of mushrooms complements the wine’s mineral-driven and herbal notes.
• Seared salmon with fennel and citrus glaze: The wine’s freshness and layered flavors pair well with the rich, savory fish and bright citrus accents.

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.