2001 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(15.2% alcohol and 7.2 g/l acidity; aged in 63% new oak but it doesn't show): Healthy bright, full yellow with a gold tinge. Fresher on the nose than the 2003 but a bit subdued, hinting at yellow fruits, clove, nuts and sulfides. Bright pineapple fruit conveys very good energy, with toffee and mocha notes adding interest on the back half. Finishes with subtle salinity and excellent grip, almost phenolic in its crispness. This still seems a bit stubbornly closed--if that's possible--and may yet gain in pliancy with more bottle age (this vintage was acidified).
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Soil-inflected aromas of minerals, iodine and nutmeg. Offers a rare combination of texture, breadth and verve for California chardonnay. Really expansive in the middle palate, with powerful fruit and spice character complicated by a peaty suggestion of Islay scotch. A major mouthful of chardonnay.
The 2001 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (2,630 cases) reveals a floral, feminine-like, perfumed, stylish nose offering aromas of white peaches, pineapples, honeyed citrus, and background mineral characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, with crisp acidity as well as admirable delineation and palate presence, it should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. Get on the bandwagon as David Ramey is on top of his game. Fax (707) 833-5620