Hyde de Villaine (HdV)

California: Napa Valley, United States

Syrah, Californio — 2019

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  • Introduction

    • 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.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley

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

      Age of vines: 19 to 25 years

      Exposure: South by southeast

      Soil: Haire Clay Loam

      Subterranean: Ancient terraces and alluvial fans

      Acreage: 2.1 acres

      Harvest dates: September 20th and 23rd

      Varietal: 100% Syrah

      Barrel aging: 20% new French Oak

      Bottled: May 4, 2020; unfined and unfiltered

  • Vintage Report

    • Napa experienced a dry start to our winter, followed by heavy rains into early spring. The late rains resulted in high vigor, a lower-than-average set, and challenging viticultural conditions. Despite the extended wet conditions of the spring, the summer followed with exceptional weather; heavy fog in the mornings followed by warm sunny days. The optimal conditions created a lengthy growing season, allowing the fruit to slowly ripen and preserve the finesse and freshness of the vintage. 2019 was an exciting vintage because of the balance, concentration, and purity of flavors focused on fresh acidity.

  • Technical Information

    • Alcohol: 14.1%
  • Tasting Notes

    • Rich tones of black cherry, plum and lavender cream offset the savory qualities of smoked meat, graphite and dark caramel. Spices of black pepper and coriander give depth while apricot blossom and orange peel bring warming high tones. In the palate, supple tannins
      lend to the gravitas of this wine but an integrated core of acidity allows for diversity of pairing. — Guillame Boudet, Winemaker

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Reviews

  • Syrah, Californio — 2019 – Wine Advocate – 93+ Points

    "Has pure, detailed aromas of cassis, clay, violet, cracked pepper, leather and salumi. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled with velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, iron-laced flavors and a long, perfumed finish. It will gain savory complexity in bottle over the next 15+ years."

  • Syrah, Californio — 2019 – Vinous – 96+ Points

    “The purity of the flavors is remarkable. Bright dark fruit, flowers, spice, mint and leather are all finely knit in a Syrah that impresses with its delineation and total class. The 2019 is such a sensual wine that it will be tempting early, but I have seen these Syrahs blossom with time. I expect that will be the case here as well.”

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