The drought cycle that started in 2012 continued in 2015, as a result, we experienced a warm dry winter and an early start of the vegetative cycle with bud break in February. In May, unseasonably cool weather caused poor pollination, resulting in concentrated fruit due to millerandage; small, seedless berries amid a few normal berries, creating intensity and complexity in the juice. The summer was hot overall at Hyde Vineyard. Thanks to a few cool days in early August, the growing season was extended, allowing the grapes to reach great maturity.
This is 100% Chardonnay (“Old Wente” and Calera selections) grown on the Hyde Vineyard on the eastern edge of the Carneros sub-region of the Napa Valley. The Chardonnay site has a south by southeast exposure, with soils of shallow loam over clay pan. Vine age is between 24 and 36 years. The fruit was harvested between 15th August and 1st September. The wine was aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, of which 20% were new. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Fresh floral and citrus notes are abundant in the complex aromatics of this wine. Citrus, pear and apricot accompany a wonderfully balanced acidity and freshness that suggest long ageability. Mineral depth and a rich mouthfeel speak toward the Old World-style of this mouthwatering Chardonnay. Elegant and restrained, like a Queen on her throne, it is poised, firm and elegant on the palate, with a long-lasting finish, sure to entice the senses and keep one returning for more.