HYDE DE VILLAINE, CALIFORNIA 2025 RELEASE

Wine Region

Napa Valley, California

Vineyard

7.7 hectares

Hyding in Plain Sight?

Still flying very much under the radar, the unassuming winery of Hyde de Villaine on the banks of the Napa River is quite easy to miss as you drive north from downtown Napa. Nestled behind the trees is the small chai where winemaker Guillaume Boudet has brought to fruition the vision of Aubert de Villaine and Larry Hyde to craft wines with a sense of place from the cool climate sites of Napa Valley. As you would expect with the involvement of two such esteemed names, wines of the highest quality are always the aim, and there is a clear Burgundian influence of mineral intensity and elegance shining through.

There are now 7.7 hectares of vineyard plots throughout Carneros that are selected from the Hyde Vineyards for their cool terroir. Larry Hyde's son, Christopher, is the current estate manager working closely with Guillaume Boudet to maintain the pristine vineyards whilst Aubert de Villaine consults on winemaking, lending his vast experience at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti to this Californian venture.

Now in the third decade of production at the estate, there are six wines in this release with Pinot Noir, Syrah and a Bordeaux blend produced alongside the Chardonnaycuvées. Covering three vintages from 2021 to 2023, the latter was a welcome, easy vintage after the challenging drought conditions of 2021 and 2022.

AARAN ECCLES
FINE WINE TEAM
October 2025

2021 Vintage

Despite the drought conditions that dictated the growing season, 2021 remained a very calm vintage with no heat spikes or natural disasters in the lead up to harvest. The mild weather, along with lower yields, elevated the concentration as well as imparting great freshness in the grapes. The resulting wines, have precision and focus. A great year for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir producing age-worthy wines, along the lines of 2015 or 2017 which proved to be some of the best ever produced.

2022 Vintage

The drought conditions of the previous years were alleviated by significant rainfall at the end of 2021, which replenished water reserves and continued into March 2022, creating a rapid budburst and avoiding the worst of frosts that hit areas of Carneros. Spring and summer were mild with occasional spikes of heat before the 'heat dome' heatwave of September. This saw earlier picking dates to retain fresh acidities with one of the quickest harvests on record with red varieties brought in swiftly after the Chardonnays.

2023 Vintage

After the two previous vintages were characterised by drought conditions, 2023 came as something of a year to savour. A wet and cold winter was followed by a cool spring and summer, which is not what California is used to, extending hang times and developing complexity. Harvest was delayed by almost six weeks compared to a 10-year average giving bright wines with fresh acidities, no heat spikes in sight!

Whites

De La Guerra Chardonnay 2022

Named after the de la Guerra family who began making wine in the early 1900s. The fruit from the Firetree vineyard in Carneros gives orchard fruits, along with a little orange peel, giving a zesty lift. Mineral driven on the palate with a touch of buttery warmth, it is just a shame there were only 296 cases of this excellent Chardonnay produced.

Corney & Barrow Score 17.5

Recommended Drinking From 2025-2029

£425 / case of 12 bottles, in bond UK

HdV Chardonnay 2022

HdV’s flagship wine, from two selections of mature Hyde Chardonnay vines. Plenty of citrus oils on the nose with a touch of spice and warm vanilla notes. Ripe and mouth-filling stone fruits abound on the palate before a saline, fresh finish brings refined acids. Fermented with 20% new French oak giving roundness.

Corney & Barrow Score 17+

Recommended Drinking From 2026-2032

£395 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK

HdV Comandante Chardonnay 2023

From a 0.3-hectare vineyard planted in 1979. Pink grapefruit freshness and red apple skins on the nose with fine oak that feels well integrated. An opulence on the palate with a mass of appealing ripe nectarine fruit and delicious texture, this is a serious 2023 that will repay ageing.

Corney & Barrow Score 17.5+

Recommended Drinking From 2026-2036

£795 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK

Reds

HdV Californio Syrah 2021

Rich dark berry fruit with bitter cherry and Christmas cake spice notes on opening. The palate is darkly berried, with a luminous core of blackberry surrounded by flavours of undergrowth and violets, all framed by fine, gently grippy tannins. Fine concentration with a purity of fruit that is so enjoyable. Just 136 cases made.

Corney & Barrow Score 17-17.5

Recommended Drinking From 2026-2035

£795 / case of 12 bottles, in bond UK

HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir 2022

A lovely nose of roses and fresh cranberry with tea leaves leads into a palate of upfront, saturated raspberry fruit and a leafy, darker-berried aspect behind. All framed by fine, gently grippy tannins that lend a touch of creaminess to the palate. From the 6 best clones of Pinot Noir planted in 2010 on the Eastern edge of Carneros.

Corney & Barrow Score 17.5

Recommended Drinking From 2025-2035

£595 / case of 6 bottles, in bond UK

HdV Belle Cousine 2021

A homage to Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine for her part in uniting the Hyde and de Villaine families. The 2021 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot. Eucalyptus, shiny dark berries and bitter chocolate all burst from the glass. The medium-full bodied palate has flair with joyful blackberry and cassis, refreshed by menthol and fresh acidity, and supported by pliant, fruit-coated tannins. A wine of panache and personality. 194 cases produced.

Corney & Barrow Score 17.5-18

Recommended Drinking From 2025-2034

£875 / case of 12 bottles, in bond UK

For any order inquiries, please contact us at [email protected]