A row of barrels in the Relic cave.

2019 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay

This is our first offering from the esteemed and visionary Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, Napa Valley, and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Larry Hyde first planted here in 1979, and he and his son, Chris, manage the vineyard immaculately. We source our Chardonnay from an Old Wente/Hyde selection block, planted about 30 years ago. The berries are tiny and produce minuscule amounts of pearlescent juice, which yields a wine of finesse, grace and length on the palate. The color is a pale straw with flashes of green and yellow. Fresh aromas of just-ripe peach, lemon curd, anise seed, clove, flint and light vanilla soar from the glass. The palate is refined and layered, with deep fruit, minerality and saline flourishes, as well as the characteristic broadness on the midpalate that defines the vineyard. The acids frame the mouthfeel and provide energy on the lacy, balanced, long finish. 139 cases produced from 6 barrels. 

  • 100% Chardonnay
  • Barrel-fermented and aged in 33% new French Oak
  • Native yeast fermentation
  • 100% malolactic
  • From the Hyde Vineyard in the Carneros AVA
  • Planted 30 years ago in pebbly clay-loam soils
  • Old Wente - Hyde Selection clone
  • 6 barrels produced 139 cases
Reviews
The 2019 Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay comes from Old Wente Clones (Hyde Selection) and vines planted in 1990. Orchard fruits, lemon curd, spice, almond paste, and some subtle floral notes give way to a beautifully textured, medium to full-bodied Chardonnay with classic California opulence balanced by good acidity and a vibrant, focused mouthfeel.
Jeb Dunnuck
/
JebDunnuck.Com
/
March 10, 2022
/
94
points
Relic's 2019 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard is a medium to full-bodied, soft, rounded and ripe version, a plush, cuddly Chardonnay to curl up with on the couch. One-third matured in new French oak, notes of melon, white peach and gently toasted marshmallow appear on the nose, and there's an attractively silky feel on the finish.
Joe Czerwinski
/
The Wine Advocate
/
May 31, 2022
/
93
points
Pretty nose of apricots, peaches, honeysuckle, cream and salted butter. It’s full-bodied with bright acidity and an elegant, saline touch. Buttery yet fresh and with a sleek, delicious finish. Drink now.
James Suckling
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JamesSuckling.Com
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November 2021
/
93
points