Winemaker Notes

This Chardonnay is from blocks planted for Patz & Hall in 1997 and 1999 using the famous “Hyde Wente” selection of Chardonnay. The 2022 Hyde Chardonnay demonstrates why this vineyard has been a three-star, acclaimed Patz & Hall offering for over 30 years. The just ripe pomaceous fruit mingles seamlessly with the vanilla spice from careful new French oak ageing. Evidence of lees contact show by richness of palate and a nuance of toast and flint.  This wine has wonderfully fresh acidity that is contrasted by startling deep, rich textures, a seeming contradiction, found in only the greatest Chardonnays.

The 2022 vintage was remarkable, marked by a series of climatic challenges and triumphs. Below-average rainfall during the winter months was mitigated by the heavy rains in March and April. A sustained heatwave in August accelerated ripeness, leading to a compressed harvest. The 2022 wines are shaping up to be exceptional, with delightful fruit profiles, acid structures, and concentration. It’s a vintage that captures the essence of the terroir, promising wines that are vibrant, complex, and true to their vineyard origins.  

100% Whole-cluster pressed  

100% indigenous yeast fermentations  

Sur lie aged with regular stirring  

100% malo-lactic fermentation in barrel 

100% Burgundian French oak barrels (32% new; 68%, 1-2 year-old). All 3- year aged staves 

Bottled without filtration to preserve the wine’s aromas and flavors and enhance aging potential

Vegan

About the Vineyard

Purchased by Larry Hyde in 1979, and planted two years later, this renowned property is cultivated as 44 distinct blocks. The Hyde-Wente selection used for this Chardonnay is planted on the best soils at Hyde: very low vigor and extremely well-drained Haire series, sandy, clay loam, which lower the yields even more than usual for this small-berried clone.