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.

Proprietors: Mr. and Mrs. Aubert de Villaine; Mr. and Mrs. Laurence W. Hyde; Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Hyde III

Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley

Vineyard: Hyde Vineyard, at the eastern edge of Los Carneros

Age of vines: 18 to 24 years

Exposure: South by southeast

Soil: Haire Clay Loam

Subterranean: Ancient terraces and alluvial fans

Acreage: 2.1 acres

Harvest dates: October 3 & 5

Varietal: 100% Syrah

Barrel aging: 16 months in French oak; 20% new

Bottled: February 14, 2020; unfined and unfiltered

Alcohol: 13.9%

February saw abundant rains, followed by lots of filtered light in spring and early summer. Both bud break and flowering occurred a bit late, but under ideal weather conditions, creating plentiful and even fruit set. Summer brought generous sun during the day and cooler marine influences, virtually uninterrupted by major heat spikes. The relatively mild summer followed by extended fall sunshine and moderate heat created near ideal conditions for the fruit to accumulate flavor complexity with gradual increases in sugar levels.

Rich plum and blueberry aromas are framed by hues of black pepper, iron and rosemary. Fine grained tannins carry flavors of smoked meat, fennel seed, and Mission fig across the palate. This wine displays masculine, animalistic tones that are juxtaposed by flavors of Japanese plum candy and sweet lavender. — Guillame Boudet, Winemaker