Winter Release Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay
2023

Winemaker’s Notes

I think of our new release of Hyde Chardonnay, our twentieth vintage, as a sort of “once in a lifetime” wine, and it’s the strongest indication of why we love and rate the 2023 vintage so highly. Quite simply, this is one of the single greatest wines of any style that we’ve ever produced. The level of detail and complexity here is both rare and frankly, with no exaggeration, pretty astonishing. Harvested on a single day and the product of a single fermentation, the wine is unblended, undiluted and pure majestic Hyde style. It has the effortless quality of vines at their full potential allied to patient harmonious winemaking craft. I urge you not to miss this offering— the wine will be in high demand worldwide.

The wine’s soaring aromas and constantly expanding flavors combine flint, truffle, spearmint, hazelnut, and mixed stone fruits. There are edges of honeycomb, clove, and lemon zest. The palate is immediately precise and focused, then expands to oily richness, chewy fruit extract, and seamless texture. At its core, the wine is dense, muscular, and multi-dimensional. Vibrant oyster shell acidity brings balance and length. Drink between 2025 and 2035. A gentle decant will allow the wine’s full range to shine.

Andy Smith