2003 HdV Napa Valley Red Wine (Hyde Vineyard)

A seductive, complex nose of mature black fruit and spice tease the senses. In the mouth, layers of rich fruit flavors combined with cinnamon and peppery spices lead to a deep and vibrant finish. A wine of purity and density with elegant and soft tannins, the acidity carries the wine from start to finish assuring its longevity.

"The 2003 HdV Napa Valley Red Wine needs decanting at an early age or to be opened at least an hour before to enjoy. The wine should continue to improve for another six to ten years. Serve around 64°F and it will be a great addition to grilled steak and fillet mignon, venison or quail."

Wine & Spirits

Rating: 92 points, 2 puffs
"90% Merlot; 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. A refined and polished Merlot, this one smells of tight, still developing red cherry fruit buttressed by very rich, creamy oak. It is fairly full and extremely well-balanced on the palate, and its opening lushness is quickly met by firming acidity towards the back. Drinking it now would certainly work out well, but this is a wine that will unfold into a lot better over the next several years." March 2007

Wine & Spirits

Rating: 94 points
"The cold, wet spring of 2003 generated a lighter than normal fruit set, and allowed most of the fruit for this wine to be farmed with no irrigation. The blend is predominantly merlot, grown on Hyde Vineyard's shallow loam over clay; ten percent is cabernet sauvignon. Oak enhances the lean texture of Carneros merlot, without obscuring the scents of red fruit and earth. The wine's high notes of cherry contrast an elegant, chanterelle-like savor, a compelling balance with cool, earthy tones that last. Its complexity will develop further in years to come, the wine enjoyable anywhere along the way with a dry-aged steak."
-Joshua Greene, February 2007