HdV Bundle of 4

2018 HdV Chardonnay

High-toned aromas of mandarin blossom and lemongrass frame a core of zested meyer lemon and Freestone peach. This wine shows focus and precision, yet surprisingly balanced opulence. Crushed seashell minerality flirts across the palate and accentuates the fresh-picked pear and Braeburn apple flavors. Finishing with warming clove and a hint of gunpowder and flint, this wine impresses from start to finish. Its balanced structure promises enjoyment in its youth but also decades of ageability.

2018 HdV Belle Cousine

Notes of black cherry and rich currant lead into aromas of dried rose petal and graphite. Hints of holiday spices and sweet basil round out the smooth, elegant finish in the palate. Sophisticated and rich, the weight of the wines is full, yet extremely approachable in its youth.

2018 HdV Californio Syrah

Rich plum and blueberry aromas are framed by hues of black pepper, iron, and rosemary. Fine grained tannins carry flavors of smoked meat, fennel seed, and Mission fig across the palate. This wine displays masculine, animalistic tones that are juxtaposed by flavors of Japanese plum candy and sweet lavender.

2019 HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir

Rich strawberry and rhubarb aromas delicately interweave with layers of rose hips, steeped Oolong tea and anise. An herbal, almost minty sensation, leads into tones of pie crust and pomegranate. The concentration of this vintage also brings a darker, brooding character while still providing velvety tannins and fresh acidity.

2018 HdV Chardonnay

WA 95: The 2018 Chardonnay is powerful and hedonistic, with a touch less aromatic purity than its excellent 2019 counterpart. It opens with flinty aromas that segue to white peaches, baked apples, beeswax, roasted almonds and baking spices. The medium-bodied palate is textural and concentrated with flinty accents and rounded acidity, finishing with lots of savory layers and a compelling hint of dried sage. This deserves another 3-5 years in bottle.

2018 HdV Belle Cousine

AG 93: The 2018 Belle Cousine is bright, floral and full of savory overtones that lend vibrancy. This mid-weight Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend builds on energy more than volume. Silky and light on its feet, the 2018 is wonderfully nuanced from start to finish. I especially like the brilliance here. The Belle Cousine is an undeniably attractive wine, but it is on the lighter side for a Bordeaux-based blend and distinctly Pinot-leaning in terms of its aromatics and mid-weight structure.

2018 HdV Californio Syrah

AG 98: The 2018 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is dark and explosive in the glass. Ripe red cherry, plum, chocolate, leather and licorice open first, followed by more typical Syrah notes of black pepper, game, tobacco, incense and leather that add a striking upper register. The 2018 was done entirely with destemmed fruit, yet it has plenty of savory energy. I must admit, I am generally not the biggest fan of Syrahs from Hyde, but the 2018 is a flat-out stunner.

2019 HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir

AG 94: The 2019 Pinot Noir Ygnacia Hyde Vineyard is a blend of five clones off the ranch. Rich, deep and beautifully resonant, the 2019 is absolutely gorgeous. It is interesting to see how the Hyde Pinot is quite different from the Chardonnays in that there is quite a bit more textural richness here. Rose petal, lavender, kirsch, mint and mocha build effortlessly, especially as the wine opens with a bit of air.