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.

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

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.

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