The 2022 Hyde Vineyard Estate Chardonnay from Carneros is a 100% Chardonnay made by Hyde de Villaine (HdV), the long-running partnership between Napa grower Larry Hyde and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Fruit comes from the Hyde Vineyard in Los Carneros, a site planted nearly 40 years ago on land that previously grew apples. The wine is listed at 13.5% alcohol and was aged in a varied mix—about 70% barrel, 20% foudre, and 10% concrete—then bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Critics largely frame this as a generous, polished Chardonnay that keeps its lift. Wine Spectator’s excellent 96-point review calls it “a marvelous style,” emphasizing a “plush, plump mix of flavors” that runs through “peach preserves, lemon curd, salted melon, marmalade and salted butter pastry.” Importantly, the magazine notes that the wine’s richness is “matched by a fresh, juicy thread of acidity,” with savory-herbal detail—“lemon verbena, vetiver and preserved lemon”—carrying the finish. Wine Spectator recommends drinking it “now through 2037” and reports “358 cases made.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also praises the balance, awarding 94 points. Jeb Dunnuck’s team (JC) notes “the merest kiss of struck flint on the nose,” followed by classic cellar tones and ripe fruit: “crème brûlée, white peaches and pineapple.” In the mouth, the review describes it as “medium- to full-bodied, expansive and generous,” finishing with “a silky feel.” The summation—“Balanced opulence in a glass”—captures the style: clearly ripe and detailed, with enough acidity and tactile refinement to keep the wine from feeling heavy.

Overall, this is a Carneros Chardonnay built around breadth and texture, with citrus and stone-fruit richness, measured oak-derived pastry notes, and a sustained, expressive close.