HdV wines- a family affair from France
By Darryl Beeson
HdV is a family venture between Hyde Vineyards of Napa
Valley and Aubert and Pamela de Villaine, based in Burgundy, France. Being a
family affair, Aubert de Villaine is married to the Hyde's cousin Pamela F. de
Villaine, and is one of Burgundies most recognized players, involved with his
own interests as well as the world famous Domaine Romanee Conti. Raised in the
traditions of France's greatest winemaking techniques, Aubert brings the
foundation upon which the HdV Napa venture bases its production of great wines.
HdV Wines are created from grapes sourced exclusively from
the renowned Hyde Vineyards. Purchased by the Hyde Family over twenty-five years
ago, Vineyard Manager Larry Hyde has earned national recognition for his precise
viticulture, growing grapes used in making some of the best of single vineyard
wines. The word is out, so try a bottle.
His family history in California wine dates back to the
early 1800's, and therefore Hyde contributes a long tradition of viticulture, as
well as an important spirit and integrity among Napa viticulturists. The wines
are not inexpensive, but are worth the price. Visit
www.hdvwines.com and discover the
entire story.
HdV Chardonnay, Carneros 2005
Price $55
Rating 95
Aged in toasty French oak, the big fruit ripeness, subtle
minerality and the natural acidity of these wines results in a crisp wine, well
crafted for assertive food pairing. Match with grilled swordfish, grilled
chicken with fresh herbs and peppers under the skin, or maybe pasta in cream
sauce
This wine offers huge, exotic spice and fruit with powerful
oak, mineral aromas, then pear and apricot in the long powerful length. "A
blend of our oldest blocks, this wine was aged for 11 months in French oak on
the lees (the flavorful yeast cells)," explains winemaker Stéphane Vivier. "The
2005 HdV Chardonnay currently favors decanting an hour before serving. It should
continue to improve for another six to ten years."
"The 2005 vintage in Los Carneros was cool and slow paced,"
says Vivier. "After an early bud-break in the middle of March, Hyde Vineyard
experienced wet weather in May and June. Summer consisted of cool weather thanks
to the San Pablo Bay fog influence. From maturation through harvest, days were
sunny and mild, allowing flavors to develop gradually with purity and expressive
complexity."
HdV De La Guerra Chardonnay, Carneros 2006
Price $30
Rating 95
The 2006 De La Guerra Chardonnay offers an intensely spiced
nose of rich stone fruit and mineral, "with a bouquet of grapefruit and fresh
cantaloupe," says Vivier. "The initial taste of steel and minerality on the
mouth is carried through by a round and refreshing mid-palate. While elegant,
this wine exhibits a vivacious core of mineral notes along with hints of peach
and pear."
This white is powerful and concentrated. Pair this velvet
hammer with veal chop, grilled shrimp in butter and fresh herbs, or with pasta
in a cream and cheese sauce.
HdV is bottled under the coat of arms of the historic de la
Guerra family from which Pamela de Villaine and the Hydes descend. The De la
Guerra Family is one of the oldest winemaking families in California and traces
its winemaking history back to a gold medal received at the 1876 Philadelphia
Centennial Fair.
HdV Syrah, Carneros 2005
Price $50
Rating 94
The HdV 2005 Syrah starts with a concentrated nose of
richly exotic spice, refined leather, pepper and some gaminess. "However with
time, the aromas develop into a perfume of delicate floral and dark berries,"
predicts Vivier. Balanced tannins are followed by layers of complexity,
including lavender and ripe blackcurrant throughout the long finish.
Serve with venison, herbal and lean meat sausage, pork
chops with dried cherry sauce or with lamb with fresh rosemary.
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Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great food,
wine, spirits and the unique destinations that provide such. He is American
editor of www.wineontheweb.com
and teaches for The International Sommelier Guild at
www.internationalsommelier.com.
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