2004 Chardonnay, Hyde Vineyard, Napa-Carneros
Publication
Vinous
Author
Stephen Tanzer
Date
July 2017
Rating
96
Review
Bright yellow, with a bit less gold than the '05. Knockout nose combines orange zest, clove, musky oatmeal and underbrush; I would have picked this as a Burgundy. Wonderfully zesty and broad on the palate, with its slightly glyceral texture leavened by terrific energy and lift. In its sulfidey complexity, salty minerality and well-delineated orchard fruit flavors, this is a splendid example of its vineyard and a stellar bottle of California Chardonnay. A very long, lively citrus zest aftertaste leaves the taste buds quivering. This was my favorite wine of the tasting.
Publication
Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate
Author
Robert Parker
Date
December 22, 2006
Rating
94
Review
Always my favorite, this wine has extraordinary intensity, with wonderful tropical fruit interwoven with orange blossom, white peach, and some mixed tropical fruits, even a hint of litchi. The undeniable minerality and floral notes add to the complexity of this stunningly full-bodied, opulent, but well-delineated wine. It should drink well for 5-8 years, possibly longer.
Publication
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Author
Josh Raynolds
Date
May/June 07
Rating
94
Review
Green-gold. Rich and focused, with smoky, spicy orchard and pit fruit scents complicated by a strong iodine-y quality. Dense with extract and admirably pure in its pear and white peach flavors, with an exotic smoky, earthy note on the back. Picks up energy on the finish and shows outstanding concentration and persistence. I could taste this for minutes after swallowing it.
Publication
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Date
February 1, 2007
Rating
94
Review
Intense, wonderfully concentrated, bright Fuji apple fruitiness is at center stage from start to finish here while fine, lightly laid-on oak provides a graceful bit of enriching sweetness. The wine has plenty of weight and body yet is so carefully put together that it never comes across as the least bit heavy. Its combination of balance and continuity bodes quite well for the future, and it is safe to assume that this very good wine will be better yet with a few years of age.
Publication
California Grapevine
Date
Dec 2006-Jan 2007
Rating
91
Review
Medium-light golden yellow color; attractive, forward, intense, slightly floral, toasty, spiced pear aroma with notes of hazelnut, charred oak, vanilla, and butterscotch; medium-full body; rich, complex, toasty, spicy, pear and citrus flavors; well balanced and structured; crisp, steely finish; lingering aftertaste. Should continue to develop and improve with several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.