Located in gently rolling terrain north of Carneros Highway, the soils are quite heavy clay. Vine selection is old Wente, Robert Young and Long Vineyards - each a Wente selection themselves - ranging in age from 9 to 28 years old. The Wente is marked by very small grape clusters, with small berries, and the so-called "hen-and-chick" -- large and small berries within the same cluster. The Wente produces a classic, Burgundian-style wine without the tropical fruit tones of some California Chardonnays. The Long Vineyards selection adds a floral note, and the Hyde Vineyard wines often seem charming and feminine. High natural acidity plays a prominent role.

Highlighted Reviews: 2007 Vintage

94 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2010
Greenish yellow. Vibrant aromas of lime, lemongrass, powdered stone and anise. At once supple and energetic in the mouth, with impressive precision to the peach, citrus and smoky mineral flavors. Tightly wound and taut but not austere, showing a distinct spiciness on the back half. Lively citrus and mineral flavors carry through a rising, spicy finish. These grapes are sourced from four different blocks, all of them planted to the Wente clone, according to Ramey.

94 Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, February 2010
The single vineyard Chardonnays are all superb. The brilliant 2007 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals lots of nectarine, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and citrus oil notes intertwined with good acidity, considerable minerality, and a full-bodied, fresh finish with no evidence of wood.

91 (two puffs) Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, May 2010
First let us say that this is still a young wine and shows a certain structural tightness that makes it less than wildly outgoing, and it is not as immediately involving as its competitors that flaunt in-your-face ripeness and oak. But behind its restraint it shows a keen sense of layering with nuances of stones and careful oak spice in league with its very precise fruit. Yes, it is firm, but it is vital and always well-filled, and its combination of fruity depth and impeccable balance guarantees years of improvement. Enjoy it now or later on.

90 Wine Spectator, April 12, 2010
Clean and refreshing, with ripe, fresh, snappy citrus, green apple and pear flavors that are pure, focused, moderately rich and pleasantly cleansing, with a snappy minerality. Drink now through 2015. 1,795 cases made. -J.L.

Five stars Ronn Wiegand's Restaurant Wine Issue 133 & 134, Jan/Feb & Mar/Apr, 2010
The Hyde Vineyard is splendid: beautifully balanced, full bodied, and complex in flavor; a wine with fine development on the palate, and a persistent finish, tasting of peach, lemon peel, grapefruit, toast, vanilla, and spicy oak.

92 California Grapevine, Vol. 36, No. 2, April-May 2010
Medium-light golden yellow color; attractive, intense, pear and green apple aroma with notes of minerality; full body; big, rich, plush, citrus and green apple flavors with crisp acidity and a pleasing, slightly creamy mouthfeel; well balanced and firmly structured; lingering aftertaste. Shows distinctive varietal character with well integrated fruit and oak. Should continue to develop with several more years of aging. Very highly recommended.

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Photos from the vineyard
Mr. & Mrs. Larry Hyde Vineyard Owners		View of Ramey Block Hyde Vineyard