HdV Ygnacia Pinot Noir

Made with minimal whole clusters and new oak, the wine showcases the energy and concentration of the Carneros terroir, with remarkable notes of violet, lavender, hibiscus, and red fruits in the nose, and a long mineral frame on the palate. This unique and elegant expression of Pinot Noir is an exquisite example of balance and precision.

Planted in 2010 on a small 3 acre block at Hyde Vineyards, the Ygnacia Pinot Noir marks the culmination of Larry Hyde’s career of Pinot Noir farming. A field blend of six different massal selections collected by Mr. Hyde over his lifetime, the entire block is picked at one time and co-fermented in French oak fermenters for 2 to 3 weeks.

The use of whole cluster during fermentation varies each vintage. Aged for 20 months in 25% new French oak barrels, bottled unfined and unfiltered..

Winemaker notes

Rich strawberry and rhubarb aromas delicately interweave with layers of rose hips, steeped Oolong tea and anise. An herbal, almost minty sensation, leads into tones of pie crust and pomegranate. The concentration of this vintage also brings a darker, brooding character while still providing velvety tannins and fresh acidity.

2019

James Suckling 94: Lots of violets, roses and hibiscus with some dried strawberry on the nose. Full-bodied with smoky, smooth tannins and lovely balance and freshness. Hints of smoked meat to the fruit. Firm and bright. Drink on release or hold.

Vinous 94: The 2019 Pinot Noir Ygnacia Hyde Vineyard is a blend of five clones off the ranch. Rich, deep and beautifully resonant, the 2019 is absolutely gorgeous. It is interesting to see how the Hyde Pinot is quite different from the Chardonnays in that there is quite a bit more textural richness here. Rose petal, lavender, kirsch, mint and mocha build effortlessly, especially as the wine opens with a bit of air.

Wine Spectator 94: Wonderfully rendered, with a lush and inviting wave of griotte, plum puree and raspberry coulis notes that stretch out, while notes of anise, wood spice and red tea fill in. The sleek mineral underpinning adds subtle contrast to the very expressive fruit. Lovely. Drink now through 2034. 411 cases made.

2020

James Suckling 94: Aromas of blackberries and spices, as well as iodine, hibiscus and wet earth. Full-bodied with plenty of fruit and tar and spices. It’s flavorful with lots of blue fruit and a flavorful finish. Drink or hold.

Vinous 92: The 2020 Pinot Noir Ygnacia Hyde Vineyard is an attractive wine. The 2020 has a slightly gamy quality and the fruit is a touch muted, but all things considered, this is a very good wine for the year. Bright red/purplish fruit, spice and lavender open with a bit of coaxing. In 2020, the Ygnacia is not quite as effusive aromatically as it can be.

Wine Spectator 95: A fruit-driven offering, with plum pâte de fruit, maraschino cherry and steeped boysenberry notes pumping through, coated with black licorice and backed by an alluring flash of singed apple wood. The fruit turns to mulled in feel on the long, plush finish. Lots to like here.

2021

James Suckling 94: Blackberry, Korean bean paste, plum skin, forest floor, rose petal and lavender aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Minerally, flinty, matchstick, and polished. Drink or hold.