Morning at Hyde Vineyards
HYDE VINEYARD
From one of the most renowned vineyards in California, the Hyde Vineyards Estate is located at the gateway to Napa Valley, in Carneros. Summer temperatures are cool by its proximity to San Pablo Bay, with foggy mornings and cool afternoon breezes. Under the soils, ancient creek beds provide excellent drainage to the red clay loam. Like most of our vineyards, we are sourcing from the Hyde’s on an acreage contract, allowing us to farm our blocks as we desire. It has been a pleasure developing a relationship with Larry Hyde, as he cares deeply about how his vineyards and fruit are treated. Our fruit was heavily thinned and leafing was kept to minimum to provide shade, protecting the fruit’s acid, perfumes and mineral characteristics. Fore more information on the Hyde Vineyards, visit www.hydevineyards.com. |
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THE WINEMAKING
Hyde vineyard always delivers intense, focused chardonnay, 2008 was no exception. Our block at Hyde was untouched in by the April frosts, the heat in May during bloom dropped yields significantly. The rest of the growing season was moderate to cool ending with a heat wave starting off August pushing up sugars. The fruit was picked at first light, on a warming September 5th, delivered to the winery where it set in cold storage over night to chill the fruit for its whole cluster press. The juice was pressed to tank to settle and chill further over night. Racked the next day to old French barrels, moved to the cold cellar and fermentation began and lasted over three weeks. At the end of ferment, malolactic was inhibited to maintain the bright acidity that our Hyde Chardonnay has come to be known for. During the aging the wine was stirred occasionally to further enhance texture and add yeast complexity.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Brilliantly clear and sporting a pale gold hue, the 2008 Hyde announces its presence with stunning aromas of peach, lemon zest, granny-smith apple, paraffin and a hint of almond. A swirl of the glass lifts a surprising lavender note. On the palate this wine is mystifying; it is at once focused, with great acidity, and also incredibly rich and intense. The first wave of flavor is dominated with apple and citrus. This opens up to reveal a remarkable array of tropical fruit, with passionfruit, papaya, and lime. Still tightly wound, with a finish that fades slowly and gracefully to apricot and an earthy note characteristic of our Hyde chardonnay, this is another Hyde that will last a long time in the cellar, and is certain to develop and open over the next several years.
TECHNICAL DATA
Released February 2010
Native Yeast Fermentation
Aged "sur lies"
25% New French Cooperage
14.8% Alc by Vol
114 Cases Produced |
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