Aubert Larry Hyde & Sons Carneros Chardonnay

The vineyard has a simple moniker, “a warm spot in a cool place.” This unique climate allows us to achieve optimally ripe grapes with a vin-de-garde personality. The wine exhibits organic notes derived from the soil, while the palate reveals immense depth and complexity. Winemaker notes The 2024 Larry Hyde & Sons Chardonnay is a case study in complex, soil-driven wine. At once full of generous, ripe apricot and lemon oils, the 2024 Larry Hyde & Sons is equally defined by its spicy, earthy notes of white pepper, crystallized ginger, and buckwheat honey. On the palate the wine continues with notes of lemon thyme, chamomile, and beeswax. Ethereal and graceful, the 2024 Larry Hyde & Sons seemingly dances across the palate. The complexity of this cuvée and textural and aromatic density afforded by old vines on this storied terroir provide the underpinnings for effortless development over the next 10 to 15 years of cellar age. The wine is slightly hazy, showing our commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. 2023 Vinous 94-96: The 2023 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is super-refined and polished. This was the last pick in 2023. Apricot, dried pear, chamomile, mint, tangerine peel and lightly honeyed notes all grace this exquisite, nuanced Chardonnay. Wine Spectator 98: Remarkable, powerful and complex, with smoked butterscotch, pear, tangerine, white peach, apricot preserves and dried mango, plus floral accents of honeysuckle and orange blossoms. Notes of pineapple upside-down cake, candied ginger and sweet cream add richness and elegance. The freshness from the acidity amplifies the flavors on the epic finish. Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW 100: The 2023 Chardonnay Larry Hyde & Sons rockets from the glass with super-intense notes of lime blossoms, fresh yellow apples, orange peel, and chalk dust, plus hints of struck flint and grapefruit oil. The medium-bodied palate shimmers with citrus and stone fruit flavors, supported by fantastic tension and a satiny texture, finishing long and zesty. If served to me blind, I might mistake it for a Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne. Coming from the Hydes’ small parcel on the south side of the Sonoma Highway, it's planted to the Corton Charlemagne Chardonnay clone on St. Georges rootstock. This is one of the last vineyards to be harvested, hence it benefits from a long hang-time. 2024 James Suckling 100: An intensity of citrus like lime and ginger with hints of hazelnut on both the nose and palate. Brioche as well. Medium-bodied with a light oiliness. Hints of honey and spice. So complex. Incredible depth and intensity. Like a top Corton Charlemagne. Drink or hold. Vinous 93-95: The 2024 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is wine of total precision and class. Lemon confit, slate, white pepper, apricot, lightly honeyed notes and a kick of reduction are classic Hyde. In 2024, the Hyde is elegant, gracious and a bit ethereal.