The crest on our HdV label traces back to the de la Guerra family of Spain and our family patriarch, Don José de la Guerra, who settled in California during the late eighteenth century. Simply put, he was an original Californio. In accordance with the celebration of our Spanish heritage, our inaugural Pinot Noir release dons the name of a family matriarch, Ysabel.

After one of the driest winters on record in 2013, the rains eventually came between February and April 2014, and the ground was saturated fairly quickly. The rain was perfectly timed during bud break, promoting rapid, healthy growth in the vineyard. An unseasonably warm spring, followed by consistently warm summer days, promoted accelerated growth, ideal pollination and early véraison in late June. We experienced a few cooler days in August, which slowed ripening and helped preserve the mineral and fresh components in the wine. The clusters and berries were small in 2014, a marker of a great vintage. Harvest started mid-August and finished the first week of October.

Our 2014 Ysabel Pinot Noir displays a vibrant ruby red color, indicative of its depth of flavor. Aromas of roses, violets and spice are layered with black cherry and lend to this wine’s focus and precision. Layers of red fruits, anise and forest floor build an impression of purity and freshness. The vibrant acidity is balanced on silken tannins, creating a wine that is harmonious and supple. Notes of savory spices, dried rose petals and tea leaf persist on the nose and palate alike. This is a wine that is surely going to please the senses for many years to come. — Stéphane Vivier, Winemaker