2014 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is rich, seamless and intense on the palate. It is one of the more overt, tropically-leaning wines in the range. Although not quite as deep or complex as it can be, the Hyde will drink well with minimal cellaring. All the vineyard signatures are present, they just aren't as delineated as they are in the very best years. Orange peel, lemon confit, spice and a hint of French oak add the last shades of nuance.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2014 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard opens with notes of musk melon, lemon curd and baked peaches with hints of cedar, chalk dust and wet pebbles. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with ripe, expressive melon and mineral characters, finishing long and pleasantly oily.
The 2014 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is rich, seamless and intense on the palate. It is one of the more overt, tropically-leaning wines in the range. Although not quite as deep or complex as it can be, the Hyde will drink well with minimal cellaring. All the vineyard signatures are present, they just aren't as delineated as they are in the very best years. Orange peel, lemon confit, spice and a hint of French oak add the last shades of nuance.
This vineyard is the source of Kistler's treasured Wente clone. They first bought grapes from Larry Hyde (also the source of Aubert de Villaine's HdV Chardonnay and many others) in 1994. Previously it had been the source of grapes for Robert Mondavi Private Reserve Chardonnay. 12,660 bottles filled. Smoky-sweet nose. Much sweeter and richer than the Sonoma wines. Firm and chewy on the palate. Tastes a little more alcoholic and softer than some Kistler Chardonnays. Less appetising. (JR)
About the producer
Kistler’s Chardonnays are some of the world’s most sought-after. This cult Californian producer crafts small volumes of exceptional, rich and generous, yet mineral and precise wines. With almost the entire production sold directly to their mailing list, the wines are also incredibly hard to find.