2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a wine of real density, weight and gravitas, all qualities that are such signatures of this Carneros site. Creamy and voluptuous in the glass, the 2016 exudes textural richness in all of its dimensions. The Hyde is one of the more virile, potent wines in the range. There is no shortage of personality or character. That is abundantly clear.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is another beauty Chardonnay from a site in Carneros. Apple and orchard fruits, lots of salty minerality, brioche, and a kiss of marzipan give way to a rich, concentrated, yet perfectly balanced effort that’s going to shine on the dinner table over the coming decade or more. There’s been a distinct style change at Kistler, with winemaker Jason Kesner purposely pulling back on the harvest dates and making a classic, age-worthy style of both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. He’s done this without sacrificing depth, concentration, or richness, and these latest 2016s are truly brilliant wines.
The 2016 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard gives up gregarious notes of underripe pineapple, green mango and grapefruit with suggestions of brioche, beeswax, toasted almonds and yeast extract. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is coated with silken-textured tropical and savory layers, complemented by a harmonious line of freshness and finishing impressively long and mineral laced.
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.