2019 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons

The 2019 Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard is in a great spot now where it is just starting to show its true self. Orange peel, hazelnut and spice run through, but this is still fresh and bright. The delicate, nuanced finish is striking. The 2019 is in the zone right now. What a great start to this tasting.

The nose is fragrant and pleasing, with notes of warming citrus, subtle baking spice and fresh garden herbs. Full-bodied with crystal-clear acidity and minerality. It zooms out onto the palate with a beam of salty, perfectly ripe fruit and dried herbs. Matcha, ginger and white pepper, too. So balanced and taught. Expressive and effortless. Drink or hold.

Aubert noted that this is his coolest site and usually the last to be harvested. Located near the Hyde Estate winery, by virtue of chilly afternoon breezes, it is indeed among the coolest sites on the Napa side of the Los Carneros AVA. This section is planted to Corton-Charlemagne clone on St. George rootstock. A barrel sample, it is being aged in 50% new French oak barrels. Whoa—the 2019 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons explodes from the glass with bombastic scents of sea spray, freshly shaved ginger, lemon curd and grapefruit plus emerging hints of green guava, lime cordial and coriander seed with a waft of struck flint. Full-bodied, rich and lively, the palate is remarkably fruity and yet possesses loads of mineral sparks and savory nuances, finishing very long and spicy. This vintage no doubt played to the strengths of this site beautifully in 2019, delivering a very impressive wine of amazing singularity and intensity.