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 10 to 29 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: 2008 Vintage

93 Robert M. Parker Jr.’s The Wine Advocate, February 2011
The 2008 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard reveals a fragrant bouquet of caramelized citrus, tropical fruits and subtle smoke as well as medium to full-bodied flavors, good acidity and a crisp mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 4-6 years.

95 Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar May/June 2011
Bright gold. Energetic aromas of green apple, jasmine, minerals and lemon zest. Dry and nervy, with brisk acidity and a saline nuance giving energy and lift to its citrus and orchard fruit flavors. Vibrant and impressively pure chardonnay, finishing spicy, long and dry, with an intriguing floral quality.

17.5 Richard Hemming, JancisRobinson.com, 5 April 2012
Creamy and fat. Lush, potent fruit. Freshening acid gives a zingy finish. Drink 2010-2013

91 (two puffs) Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine, May 2011
Sweet oak once again plays a prominent role here, and, while it is underlain by lots of well-defined fruit, it is at the moment just a bit ahead of everything. The wine, however, is very deep and very well-balanced, and it is simply too young to drink now. It shows fine concentration and length, and it never once loses its fruity bearings. It has the kind of concentration that we look for in genuinely ageworthy wines, and it promises great things if allowed to rest for a couple of years.

90 California Grapevine, April-May 2011
Medium-light golden yellow color; attractive, forward, intense, pear and baked apple aroma with hints of citrus, butterscotch, and tropical fruit; full body; forward, rich, crisp, citrusy, green apple flavors with good depth and showing some complexity; well balanced and firmly structured; lingering aftertaste. Fruit and oak are well proportioned and nicely balanced. Very highly recommended.

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