2020 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2020 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is laced with hints of dried pear, apricot, tangerine oil, almond, spice and a touch of reduction. The 2020 is naturally a touch slender, and there are some hard edges on the finish, but it is nicely done.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent
More reviews and scores
A cool, late-harvest site relative to Aubert's other sources, the 2020 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons also sees a bit less new French oak (50%). Readers will note that the oak made virtually no impression on me, as the wine bursts with aromas of ripe, honeyed melon, balanced by bright lime notes. Full-bodied, creamy and lush on the palate, this is just a pleasure to drink, finishing long and zesty.
A cool, late-harvest site relative to Aubert's other sources, the 2020 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons also sees a bit less new French oak (50%). Readers will note that the oak made virtually no impression on me, as the wine bursts with aromas of ripe, honeyed melon, balanced by bright lime notes. Full-bodied, creamy and lush on the palate, this is just a pleasure to drink, finishing long and zesty.
The 2020 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons bursts form the glass with notes of lemongrass and ginger tea, orange blossoms, and lime cordial with wafts of yuzu and struck flint. The full-bodied palate shimmers with energy, framed by a racy backbone and creamy texture, finishing with epic length and a whole firework display of citrus sparks. This comes from two blocks, first planted in 2006 with the Corton Charlemagne clone of St Georges rootstock. This is one of the last vineyards to be harvested, hence a long hang-time.
About the producer
The Aubert wines, particularly the Chardonnay, have a cult following – beloved for their rich, hedonistic style. Created by Mark and Theresa Aubert in 1999, the property makes some of California’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, all from single vineyards across Sonoma.