2020 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
3.5-acre plot they have been buying from since 2001. It was planted with the Livermore-Wente clone in 1992. Loose bunches and shot berries are characteristic, described as ‘the most beautiful grapes’ by winemaker Andy Smith. One of the vineyard’s earliest blocks. Some irrigation from early August (whereas DuMOL’s Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast vines are dry-farmed). Chassin barrels exclusively, 25% new. Bottled from 2004. He made 16 not 32 barrels in fire-affected 2020. They used the entire block in 2020 whereas they usually blend the bottom third of the block into another wine. Larry Hyde was the first person to farm differently for individual clients such as DuMOL, Kongsgaard and Ramey. Organic but not certified. TA 7g/l. Some grassiness on the nose. Vibrant and with a note of sweetness. There’s a lime edge to the fruit and some really impressive, refreshing structure. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard shows greater focus and tension than the Debut, along with the natural richness that is so characteristic of this site. Lemon confit, honeysuckle, white flowers and a kiss of French oak all grace this attractive Chardonnay from Hyde De Villaine. There's real depth and intensity here.
The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard offers stunning transparency, with the volume turned up on aromatic detail and structural harmony. It opens with characteristic matchstick and flint that slowly unfolds to scents of white peach, lemon peel, crushed shell and dried chamomile. The palate is seamless, satiny and highly concentrated yet youthfully coiled, with a tensile core of preserved citrus. It has a long, mineral-driven finish that hints at the floral perfume and savory nuances yet to emerge. Curious about that matchstick character, I drank from this open bottle for five days as it opened and expanded in expression—it's going to be long lived in the cellar. Winemaker Andy Smith says this may be the earliest pick ever of Hyde—these Chardonnay grapes were harvested just two days after the wildfires began, on August 20th. Typically around 36 barrels are made; in 2020, only 20 barrels were made.
The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard offers stunning transparency, with the volume turned up on aromatic detail and structural harmony. It opens with characteristic matchstick and flint that slowly unfolds to scents of white peach, lemon peel, crushed shell and dried chamomile. The palate is seamless, satiny and highly concentrated yet youthfully coiled, with a tensile core of preserved citrus. It has a long, mineral-driven finish that hints at the floral perfume and savory nuances yet to emerge. Curious about that matchstick character, I drank from this open bottle for five days as it opened and expanded in expression—it's going to be long lived in the cellar. Winemaker Andy Smith says this may be the earliest pick ever of Hyde—these Chardonnay grapes were harvested just two days after the wildfires began, on August 20th. Typically around 36 barrels are made; in 2020, only 20 barrels were made.