2021 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Tasted blind for Mission Blind Tasting series. Super-polished with high-quality oak – likely 25ish% new – slightly sweet and cola-like in profile. Textural with a bit of pith and grippy oak texture. Elevated medium(+) acidity and well-integrated 13.5% alcohol. A bit yogurty. Called Meursault. Tell for next time: this has higher alcohol than I thought! Likely would not be this high for Meursault. (SCJ)
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The cool, idyllic 2021 growing season played perfectly into the crisp, transparent style of Chardonnay from the Hyde Vineyard and resulted in this seamless, shimmery 2021 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard. It has dynamic scents that segue from flint, graham cracker and dark spices to lemon cream and dried flowers. The palate is just as impressive, balancing a creamy texture with racy acidity. Overall, it walks a razor’s edge of smoky reduction that enhances its complexity, and it has a very long, detailed finish. It should be epically long lived in the cellar. 308 cases were made.
The 2021 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard offers a sunny feel in its notes of almond, toasted spices, and ripe yellow apples, and it’s toasty with mineral lift. Medium to full-bodied. It’s fantastic and mouthwatering on the palate, with great structure, a weightless feel, and a long finish. These are really some of my favorite wines, and this is no exception. Drink 2025-2040.
The only Napa-grown chardonnay in the Ramey lineup is arguably its best. Combining lush, concentrated fruit and spice flavors with vibrant acidity, the wine is tempting and delicious now but has a long track record for improving with age for 10 to 15 years. The intensity of lemon curd, lime zest, vanilla bean and custard flavors is virtually unmatched, while the tangy acidity perfectly balances the full body and creamy feel of this memorable wine. Drink or hold. (JG)