Vivier Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 98] [WA 93+]

Winemaker Notes

Gap’s Crown, tucked on the western hillside of Sonoma Mountain, is fanned by the cool ocean breezes that push through the Petaluma Gap. This is a favorite of Stéphane because of the long growing season, rocky soil and inhospitable weather. The block is between 980-1180 feet above sea level with rows on the ridgeline.

Minerally on the nose jasmine, clove and citrus bloom—flinty. The palate shows a lovely density and purity of fruit, intermixing with salty mineral and white flowers—weightless. The acidity is sharp and precise making for a spectacular finish. Timeless.

BOUQUET: Citrus blossom, tangerine, clove, pear, jasmine, minerals driven

FEEL: So textured and complexed ; apricot, peach, citrus, so pure and driven

ALCOHOL: 12.5%

AT THE TABLE: Black cod, halibut, carbonara, you name it!

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - James Suckling:
A brilliant, fresh and linear white from a great single vineyard. It shows good restraint in texture and vivid, tangy fruit, lemon meringue and mineral flavors. Racy acidity, slight reduction, a medium body and a nervy balance. Firmly structured and destined to age very well. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

93+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:

"The 2023 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard comes from 30-year-old Wente vines, and the wine was matured for 18 months in 20% new French oak. It has slowly unfolding scents of orchard fruit, oyster shell, bread dough, hazelnuts and floral perfume. The light-bodied palate is energetic! Its soft, rounded texture and delicate, mineral-driven flavors are complemented by racy acidity, and it has a long, ethereal finish. 318 cases were made. Fine-boned and youthfully shy, it will benefit from several years in the cellar. 2028-2040."