Stringer Cellars Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay 2020 , Carneros 95 pts

95 - The Wine Independant Lisa Perrotti-Brown

The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard prances out with showy notes of pineapple upside-down cake, lemon meringue pie, and lime cordial, followed by suggestions of allspice, candied ginger, and mandarin peel. The medium-bodied palate is electric with intense tropical and citrus fruit layers, supported by a racy backbone and a suggestion of creaminess to the texture, finishing long and spicy.

Vineyard:

Producing some of the most coveted grapes in Napa Valley, Hyde Vineyard has gained distinction for its single vineyard wines. Hyde Vineyard is blessed with shallow loamy soils  that work in conjunction with the cool Carneros climate and the gentle winds to create moderate stress within the vines. The temperature moderating winds off the Pacific Ocean, which are channeled through the Petaluma Gap, are key in allowing for prolonged growing seasons. This extended growing season is vital to the completion of phenolic maturation, bringing both intensity and balance to the wines.

Winemaking:

The handpicked fruit was crushed before being gently pressed, cold settled overnight and then transferred to a combination of new and used 225L barrels and 500L French oak puncheons. The wine underwent native fermentation and finished primary  just before Thanksgiving 2020 and Malolactic shortly after. The wine was aged on its lees without stirring for 12 months and then transferred to a stainless tank for an additional 4 months of aging for better oak integration before bottling.

Tasting Notes:

The 2020 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay is an intensely floral wine with scents of gardenias, almond blossom and matchstick. The medium bodies pallet envelopes the tongue with lemon curd and exotic spice while mouthwatering acidity creates tension. Ready to drink now, but further aging will allow for better oak integration.