2012 Chardonnay Hyde de Villaine
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Tasting notes
Mild days followed by cool nights, without any extreme weather. Harvest 9–28 September. A little old on the nose. But broad and a hint of nuts and coffee on the palate. The most obviously old wine here. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Chardonnay is layered with singular aromas of cheese rind, elderflower, matcha, quince paste and honeyed peaches with earthy nuances. The palate offers up an incredible lushness of fruit, tempered by earthy notions and lifted by tangy acidity, finishing very long, layered and energetic.
Dense and layered with richness and ripeness, but freshness underneath. Excellent depth and center palate. Full and flavorful. Fab now.
The 2012 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is such a pretty wine. Orange peel, honeysuckle, butter, pastry and hazelnut give the 2012 its decidedly exotic personality. There's a bit more new oak here along with a light, tropical character that is not especially typical here. The 2012 is elegant and poised, but I don't see it improving meaningfully from here.