2018 Chardonnay Hyde de Villaine
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat. Rich, sweet nose. Hefty for HdV! Then lots of green chewiness. Not as composed and settled as some. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Chardonnay is powerful and hedonistic, with a touch less aromatic purity than its excellent 2019 counterpart. It opens with flinty aromas that segue to white peaches, baked apples, beeswax, roasted almonds and baking spices. The medium-bodied palate is textural and concentrated with flinty accents and rounded acidity, finishing with lots of savory layers and a compelling hint of dried sage. This deserves another 3-5 years in bottle.
Opulent aromas of cooked apple, lemon rind, light praline and stone. Full-bodied with linear and lively acidity that runs through the wine. Energetic and bright with tightness and structure. Steely. Drinkable now, but better in 2023.
The 2018 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a classy, polished wine. Silky and creamy, with gorgeous texture, the Hyde shows all of the richness this site is known for yet retains terrific energy and verve as well. Bright floral and mineral accents perk up the pear, lemon confit and light tropical fruit.