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The 2020 Native Yeast Chardonnay is a selection from one of the most prized blocks on the estate. Fermenting with native yeast from the vineyards gives the wine a unique mouth feel and heightens the expression of the Hyde Old Wente clone. It shows the special mineral characteristics that are the signatures of a cool climate.
“96 Points. Handsome toasty spices intermingle beautifully with rich poached pears and vanilla in this complex, smooth and dramatic wine. Relatively light in alcohol, it has an almost-thick texture and underlying acidity that support toast, almond, nutmeg and white pepper nuances that emerge on the palate and linger on the finish. Editors’ Choice.” – Jim G.
TASTING NOTES
By nose, melon, cantaloupe, and honeysuckle with a touch of green apple. Creamy throughout the mouth. The front palate is bright with great acidity and flavors of juicy apple followed by honeysuckle and white flower. The mid palate is balanced and shows a lot of minerality with a nice texture and long finish.
VINEYARD NOTES
This bottling spotlights the Hyde Old Wente Clone, which can be traced back to the 1930s in California. It is a stand out on our site,
WINEMAKER NOTES
The Hyde Old Wente grapes had at least an hour of skin contact in the press, mainly for flavor extraction. Fermentation is in 100% brand new French oak barrels, with the difference that the staves are water bent (instead of fire bent), which tones down the impact of the wood. Frequent lees stirring, or ‘batonnage’ at least three times a week for over seven months, contributes to the long finish and unique mouth-feel.