Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley – 2014
-
Vineyard Profile
- Size: 8.64 acres
- Vine Age: 23 to 33 years
- Soil: Shallow loam over clay hardpan
- Exposure: South by southeast
-
Vintage Report
-
Entering our third year of drought, we were braced for another dry growing season and a need to be strategic with our water resources. Fortunately, generous late winter rain refreshed the vines in February just before bud break, and enabled rapid, healthy growth without human intervention. An unseasonably warm spring and steady, moderate summer sustained accelerated growth, ideal pollination, and early véraison in late June. Both clusters and berries were small—the marker of a great vintage. A string of cooler days and nights in August allowed the grapes to slow their ripening, and helped preserve fresh minerality and energy in the wine.
Harvest began early in mid-August, then briefly paused due to the South Napa earthquake on August 24. We picked the last of the fruit on September 12.
- Harvest Date(s): August 18 - September 12, 2014
-
-
Vinification
- Malolactic: Yes
- Aging: 12 months in oak (20% new) and 3 months in stainless steel
- Bottled: November 25, 2015
-
Technical Information
- Production (in cases): 2,290 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 14.1%
-
Tasting Notes
-
Fresh floral, citrus and white peach aromas on the nose open into a silken palate offering intense bright stone fruit, pear, and savory minerality. Exceptional freshness is balanced by a rich mouthfeel and profound, mineral depth. With beauty, class and focus in one golden package, this wine has excellent aging potential, and I look forward to drinking it for many years to come. — Stéphane Vivier, Winemaker
-
Images
Reviews
-
Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley – 2014 – 93 points – Vinous
The 2014 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is dense, powerful and exotic. Candied lemon peel, apricot, butter and honey endow the 2014 with a decidedly opulent, flamboyant character and notable oiliness. The 2014 was done 80% in barrel and 20% in foudre, with about 20-25% new oak. That approach results in a Chardonnay built on structure and intensity. This is an especially pure, almost stark, expression of Hyde.
-
Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley – 2014 – 98 points – James Suckling
"This shows fabulous stone, dried apple and honey aromas that follow through to a full body, with fantastic focus and energy. Great acidity at the finish. Wow. The depth and length are incredible."