2003 HdV Chardonnay (Hyde Vineyard)
Approaching a glass, the first waft carries a gentle citrus and mineral aroma blended with a delicate touch of wood. As the first sip begins, one feels the smoothness of white peach texture and the beginning of delicate fruit flavors. Mid palette, a good balance of structure, acidity and minerality showcase the wines freshness and purity. This wine has no hidden depths; its transparency is immediate and clear as it coats the mouth from beginning to end and lingers gently on the palette.
Vinfolio
Rating: 95 points
"HdV has been one of the most talked about wines available in the domestic market for the last couple of years. Aubert de Villaine, co-director of Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, is married to the cousin of Carneros grower, Larry Hyde. Together they have created a brand that merges old world ideals with California fruit of the highest quality. Shimmering gold in the glass, the nose is elegant with hints of honey, spicy citrus and vanilla bean. The flavors have outstanding concentration and structure showing beautifully balanced citrus, mineral, and pear along with firm acidity. Drink: 2006-2009."
-Doug Wilder - Issue 32
Wine & Spirits
Rating: 91 points
Special Issue - Annual Buying Guide
"Aubert de Villaine grows chardonnay and aligoté in the Côte Chalonnais, though he's perhaps best known as the managing director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Carneros grower Larry Hyde and de Villaine developed a partnership 1999, this Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay now their fourth release. The wine is complex and earthy, with mineral tones set into brisk, lemony flavor. Bright, golden delicious apple flavors come up with air, as does a lot of youthful oak influence. Drink 2008-2010 with seared yellowfin tuna."
December 2005
Wine Report
Rating: 92 points
"Deep and sunny yellow, this wine erupted with aromas of apple, butter, honey, fresh-baked bread and tropical fruits. The panel was blown away by the complex, mouth-filling flavors of crisp green apple, pear, butter, nutmeg and ripe peaches. Balanced in structure, this full-bodied wine left a long and lasting sensation of creamy apples and butter that subsided with lingering notes of clove."
November/December 2005