2016 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons
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Tasting notes
From the “King of Carneros,” the 2016 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons is one of the larger production cuvées from Aubert (there are roughly 1,000 cases made) and comes from two Burgundian clones (one from Corton and another from Meursault). Bottled in December, it gives up a huge bouquet of citrus, orange blossom, caramelized ginger, and toasted bread in a rich, opulent style that stays impeccably balanced and fresh. Brought up in 70% new French oak, it’s going to sing for 4-6 years, and last even longer. Located in Napa yet pulling mostly from top sites in Sonoma and Carneros, Mark Aubert continues to work his magic with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. These latest releases show the elegant, balanced style of the 2016 vintage, yet still have the rich, powerful, yet incredibly pure style that’s the hallmark of this brilliant estate. While the quality of the Chardonnays from Aubert is well known, don’t miss a chance to try his Pinot Noirs. These 2016s are unquestionably the finest to date. While there are few mailing lists worth being on, this is one of them!
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons is so delicate, precise and nuanced. In 2016, the Hyde leans more towards the citrus end of the spectrum. Candied lemon peel and lifted floral notes are some of the signatures in this striking, beautifully delineated Chardonnay. In most vintages, Hyde tends to give a decidedly forward style of Chardonnay. Mark Aubert's 2016 is all finesse.
The 2016 Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard has a provocative savory/meaty nose with yeast extract, brine and nut nuances over a core of ripe pears and white peaches plus a waft of lime leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with stone fruit and savory layers, with a lovely oiliness to the texture offset by a racy acid line, finishing long.
The 2016 Chardonnay Larry Hyde and Sons Vineyard has a provocative savory/meaty nose with yeast extract, brine and nut nuances over a core of ripe pears and white peaches plus a waft of lime leaves. Medium to full-bodied, it fills the palate with stone fruit and savory layers, with a lovely oiliness to the texture offset by a racy acid line, finishing long. Oct 2017, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.