Tasting Notes
Precise and powerfully structured, with intense Asian pear, apple and ripe citrus flavors that feature rich, savory notes. Displays concentrated minerality on the spicy and textured finish. Should blossom in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2025. 1,256 cases made. — KM. 95 PTS WS
Wine Info
2016 began with another very early bloom, leading to a very early harvest; our first fruit arrived August 5. During maturation, summer temperatures were warm and steady, with fewer heat spikes than 2015. Three weeks of cool weather in August and September relaxed the pace of harvest, allowing for methodical picking decisions and perfectly developed fruit. Yields were relatively average – down from 2014 and up from 2015.
Winemaking
We press whole grape clusters for phenolic delicacy. Native yeast and full native malolactic fermentation take place in barrel, with sur lies bâtonnage. After aging 20 months in 20% new François Frères and Taransaud Beaune French oak barrels, this Chardonnay was fined and settled in tank. It was then bottled without filtration.
Winemaker Notes
Vine selection for our Hyde Vineyard Chardonnays are predominantly old Wente with some Robert Young—itself a Wente selection. The Wente produces a classic, Burgundian-style wine without the tropical fruit tones of some California Chardonnays. Hyde Vineyard wines often seem charming and feminine, with high natural acidity playing a prominent role.
Situation
Hyde Vineyard is situated on gently rolling slopes of the Carneros District, on the Napa side. Summer temperatures are kept relatively cool by marine air flowing through the Petaluma Gap. Ancient creek beds provide drainage and add a scattering of rocks.
Soil
The soils are quite heavy Haire Clay Loam about 30 inches deep with impenetrable clay subsoil which limits vine vigor and crop yield.
Clones
Wente and Robert Young field selections.
Vine Planting Dates
The Ramey Wine Cellars blocks of Chardonnay were planted in 1991 and 1997.