2002 HdV Chardonnay (Hyde Vineyard)
You will find delicate aromas and flavor of white peach combined with spice and floral honey. In the mouth, finesse and purity are sustained by a firm acid structure ñ the source of freshness and a guarantee of good cellaring potential. With its minerality, richness, and long finish, our 2002 Chardonnay is a clear expression of Hyde Vineyards terroir.
i-WineReview
Rating: 92 points
"This bottling has a somewhat fuller, riper style than the 2000, 2001. Good floral character on the nose, with a delicacy and richness of green fruits and citrus. Creamy notes of oak and fruit acidity stand out."
-Jay Youmans, MW and Mike Potashnik, Ph.D, Publishers, International Wine Review, December 2006
The Wine Advocate
Rating: 93 points
"The distinctive striking minerality of the 2002 Chardonnay distinguishes it from many of its peers in California. Its light gold/green color is followed by lovely aromas of crisp citrus, honeysuckle, lemon oil, and stones. Medium to full-bodied, with zesty acidity, a subtle touch of wood, and a long finish, it is a steely, California version of a cross between a grand cru Chablis and a topnotch Mâcon-Villages. It should drink well for 3-4 years.
December 2005
Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
Rating: 92 points, 2 puffs
"A nicely proportionned mix of sweet oak, ripe apples and pears in the nose points the way confidently to very deep young Chardonnay flavors that display fine concentration and a real sense of crafting. If arguably compact and a little less than fully outgoing just yet, the wine has plenty of verve and a very long, firmly balanced finish that signals better things yet as it opens up further with age. Give it a couple of years of patience, but do not be surprise if it continues to improve for upwards of a half-decade or more."
May 2005
Restaurant Wine
Rating: Five Stars
"Concentrated and finely balanced: a full bodied, supple, elegant Chardonnay, with firm acidity, and excellent length. It tastes of lime, pineapple, pear, cherimoya, toast, roasted nut, and spicy oak. 2005-2007"
November 2004
Wine Country Living
Rating: 93 Points
"Elegant, sleek in style, with lively fruit flavors and appetizing acidity equally matched by a rich texture and lingering finish. Subtle and seductive, it keeps bringing you back for another sip."
August 2004
The Wine News
Rating: 92 Points
"Gold hue. Shy aromas of banana peel, cinnamon and vanilla. Nicely harnessed tropical fruit flavors in a youthful, compact wine. Supple texture with fresh acids and lingering honey and toasted oak notes."
February-March 2005