2020 Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir
94 points
Wine Enthusiast
This iconic site consistently delivers one of the most elegant and refined Pinots in our portfolio. The 2020 vintage is more robust and richer than typical, providing layers of red currants, cassis, and Bing cherries along with a lifted purity and freshness that supports elegant and cleansing acidity. The nose is filled with the Hyde Vineyard signature dried rose petals and cardamom/cinnamon spice. The mouth has great depth of texture and flavor, showing composed, refined tannins that are knit together with strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of cocoa and five spice powder. This 2020 is showing a darker more powerful example of this legendary vineyard.
The year began with a very dry winter, leaving some vineyards with reduced water for the growing season. This translated into smaller berries, adding extra intensity to the aromas and flavors. The harvest at Patz & Hall wrapped up in late September, making it the earliest end of picking in my 30+ years of winemaking. Though 2020 produced record small yields, the quality was remarkable, with most vineyards producing wines of depth, intensity, and dramatic concentration. The Chardonnays are showing intricate aromatics and deep flavors while the Pinot Noirs show very dark and concentrated flavors with developed tannins. Overall, I’m very pleased with the strength and vitality of the 2020 wines and believe they have a long life ahead in the cellar.
Purchased by Larry Hyde in 1979, and planted two years later, this renowned property is cultivated as 44 distinct blocks, and includes a veritable who’s who of the finest Pinot Noir clones. Our Hyde Vineyard Pinot comes from three small blocks within the larger Hyde Vineyard. These blocks spotlight new and older plantings of the famous Hyde-Calera selection, and include coveted grapes from the “old field,” which was planted in 1999.
100% Burgundian French oak barrels (44% New, 56% 1 & 2 year old). All 3-year air dried staves
Bottled without finning or filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential
This wine is Vegan
- Type:
- Red
- Varietal:
- Pinot Noir
- Region:
- California
- Appellation:
- Carneros
- Vintage:
- 2020
- Blend:
- 100% Hyde-Calera Selection Pinot Noir
- Aging:
- Aged 16 months on fine lees
- Alcohol:
- 14.5%
- Fermentation:
- Multi-yeast fermentations (native yeast, followed by cultured yeast); 100% Malo-lactic fermentation in barrel