Our monthly wine gang, ready to sip and savor some breezy summer whites and rosés, suddenly finds itself under a deluge, with temperatures dropping faster than a lead balloon. Summer vibes? Totally rained out. So, we thought, “Why not pivot to fuller-bodied wines?” Brilliant, right?
One of our crew, ever the wine hero, brought out the HDV Chardonnay 2009 from Carneros, Napa Valley. And let me tell you, this wine was the knight in shining armor our rainy day needed.
The wine is fermented and aged in 15% new oak, foudres, and concrete eggs, for 18 months with no stirring, until bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Carneros is situated at the southernmost part of Napa and Sonoma counties. It lies north of the San Pablo Bay, benefiting from the cooling effects of the nearby body of water, which brings cool breezes and fog to the region, which helps moderate temperatures. This cool, maritime climate is ideal for growing grape varieties that thrive in cooler conditions, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
According to the winery, the 2009 winter was dry at Hyde Vineyard until unexpected rains in early spring. Bud break was later than usual avoiding any risk of frost damage; persistently mild weather created a long, slow ripening vintage leading to wines of balance and deft concentration.
Let’s dive into the tasting. The wine is clear with a medium gold color. As you bring the glass to your nose, it’s like stepping into a luxurious fruit garden with a sprinkle of elegance. The bouquet unfolds with vibrant notes of ripe pear and golden apple, like that perfect fruit you dream of finding at the farmers’ market but never quite do. There’s a subtle whisper of lemon curd, giving a zesty uplift that feels like a cheeky wink from a sophisticated maître d’. As you delve deeper, the nose reveals delicate hints of toasted almonds and a touch of buttered brioche, making you think of breakfast in bed at a five-star hotel. There’s also a flirtatious waft of vanilla and crème brûlée, as if the wine itself has a playful side.
Take a sip, and you’re immediately embraced by a harmonious ballet of flavors, elegantly pirouetting on your palate. The rich, creamy texture wraps around your tongue like a cashmere scarf on a brisk fall day, while a bright streak of acidity keeps everything lively and balanced, akin to a perfectly executed plot twist in a favorite novel.
The flavor profile is an encore of the nose’s promise. Juicy stone fruits, especially peach and nectarine, take center stage, followed by a sophisticated chorus of citrus zest that adds just the right amount of verve. There’s an undercurrent of minerality, a whisper of wet stones, that gives it a grounded complexity, like a philosopher in a chic wine bar.
As the wine opens up, there are layers of honeysuckle and subtle spices, creating a finish that is both lingering and intriguing. It’s as if the wine is telling you a story, one that ends with a charming wink and a promise of more delightful tales with each sip.
The HDV Chardonnay 2009 is a beautifully crafted wine that dances between opulence and finesse, offering a sensory experience that’s both luxurious and playfully sophisticated. It’s the kind of wine that makes you want to raise an eyebrow and say, “Oh, really?” as you pour yourself another glass, reveling in the nuanced symphony of flavors that only get more enchanting with each taste. Cheers to a delightful exploration!
I would pair it with a grilled Salmon. The wine’s acidity and richness balance the salmon’s fattiness. Or with a Lobster with Butter Sauce, which enhances the wine’s creamy texture and citrus notes. Cheese is also a great option like Brie or Camembert. These soft cheeses complement the wine’s creamy and slightly nutty flavors. My favorite dish though would be a Mushroom Risotto. The creamy risotto pairs well with the wine’s texture and oak influence. This is my favorite pairing. You can find the recipe here.