The name Californio pays tribute to the early California settlers of Spanish heritage, or Californios, who tamed the wilds of the frontier. As descendants of the early Californios, we strive to present a Syrah that highlights one of California’s premier growing sites, Hyde Vineyard, while embodying the elegance of the Old World.

Subterranean: Ancient terraces and alluvial fans

The 2017 vintage will always be remembered. The winter months were wet and cold, allowing the vines to rest after their productive 2016 campaign. Bud break occurred in March, with a mix of warm and cool days, frigid nights and several rain episodes during the early stages of flowering. These conditions resulted in a low, uneven set.

A warm dry pattern followed through the end of August, until two major heat waves hit in early September, dramatically affecting ripening conditions. As a result of the intense heat, the vines shut down and the brix and acidity levels in the grapes flatlined for the next three weeks. In late September, the vines came back to life and gave us one last push, resulting in wines with harmonious balance and freshness.

Harvest started the third week of August and was concluded by the first week of October, right before traumatic wildfires scorched through Napa and Sonoma counties, giving a catastrophic end to an already challenging vintage.

Fresh plum and violet are juxtaposed by smoked meat and graphite in the delicate aromas of this wine. Hinting at blue and blackberries, this Syrah takes on lighter notes of apricot blossom and orange zest as it develops in the glass. Black pepper is carried through the palate by integrated tannins that bring freshness and structure, showcasing the volume, but also the elegance of this cooler climate Syrah. —Guillame Boudet, Winemaker