Aromas of Meyer lemon, yellow pear, and white floral blossoms integrate with subtle notes of toasted brioche, flint, and a hint of salinity. The palate is medium-bodied and exceptionally poised, featuring a concentrated core of stone fruit and a sleek, oily texture. It displays a vibrant energy with a racy acidity and a fine-grained structural weight that leads to a long, expansive finish marked by citrus zest and a distinct mineral tension.
Winemaker Guillaume Boudet utilizes 100% Chardonnay fruit harvested at the peak of aromatic precision. In the cellar, the grapes are whole-cluster pressed and fermented with native yeasts in French oak barrels. The wine undergoes a partial malolactic fermentation to balance its naturally high acidity with a touch of richness. It matures for fifteen months in approximately 20% new French oak, a process that allows the wine to develop structural depth and subtle spice while keeping the primary fruit and site-specific minerality in clear focus.
The fruit is grown in the Carneros region of Napa Valley at the iconic Hyde Vineyard. The site is defined by its shallow, heavy clay soils and its direct exposure to the cool fog and winds from the San Pablo Bay. These conditions naturally limit vine vigor and extend the ripening period, allowing the grapes to develop intense flavor complexity while retaining a bright, linear structure. This unique maritime terroir produces a wine that bridges the gap between California power and Old World elegance, reflecting the partnership between the Hyde and de Villaine families.
