Spicey black fruit, with some amazing old-world earthiness. There was something else, something I liked, which I could not name. But this is great wine. A collaborative effort between the Hydes, long long time all-star grape growing family from California and the French folks responsible for the DRC wines. I liked it a lot. Couple more years of strong life here.
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Bought on close out a few years ago for $25. Great deal. I have had a few of these but it seems like it is on the down side right now. I would probably drink in the next few years. Drinks like a low to middle classified Bordeaux. Dust, cigar, earth and fruit on palate and nose. Its good all around and better with food.
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Dinner with friends (D & Ls): Bought a bunch of these on close-out a while back. It is really coming into its own, but probably needs more time. I believe this a "Right Bank" styled Bordeaux blend from Carneros. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is nice with dark cherries, spice, leather and slight cherries. On the palate, this is showing nothing old, but starting to show some maturity. Layers of cherries, dark cherries and damp forest floor. Nice texture. Good balance. Nice finish. Very food friendly. A hit at the table.
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Wines by the glass @ Rockpool B&G: Kirsch, tea leaves, some high quality but very evident lashings of oak, blackberry and some iron. The sweet fruit on the palate holds its own and thankfully isn't obliterated by the oak. Incredibly fine tannin structure. I think this will age fairly well as long as the precarious balance remains.
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Very pretty nose that really is somewhat "reminiscent" of a right bank Bordeaux (I would never go as far as to say it smells exactly like one though). On the palate, it is rich and mouthcoating with a medium finish. Notes of dark black cherries, blackberrys, and maybe a hint of new leather. Tannin's are present with a velvety texture. Acidity is a little high which takes away from the overall experience a little bit but I have a feeling that the acidity may calm down with some more time in bottle.
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Garnet to perhaps dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of thistle, hint of chocolate, black berries, a touch of wet stones with some nice underlying florals. Flavors of black berries, black cherries and a bit of plum. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full bodied. Drink now with some air or in the 2-7+/- year time frame.
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A visit to HdV: 88% Merlot/12$ Cabernet. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is sweaty with cassis and cherries. This is soft and silky. Complex. Mostly cherries on the palate at this point. Seems like it needs a few years. Very right bank in style. I really liked this one.
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2/18/2018 - TallMikeWine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Spicey black fruit, with some amazing old-world earthiness. There was something else, something I liked, which I could not name. But this is great wine. A collaborative effort between the Hydes, long long time all-star grape growing family from California and the French folks responsible for the DRC wines. I liked it a lot. Couple more years of strong life here.
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10/3/2017 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 90 Points
Bought on close out a few years ago for $25. Great deal. I have had a few of these but it seems like it is on the down side right now. I would probably drink in the next few years. Drinks like a low to middle classified Bordeaux. Dust, cigar, earth and fruit on palate and nose. Its good all around and better with food.
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8/6/2017 - mjm226 wrote: 90 Points
The Merlot definitely comes through. Good fruit up front with hints of vanilla. Smooth but not much depth. Good, not great.
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1/3/2016 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 91 Points
Dinner with friends (D & Ls): Bought a bunch of these on close-out a while back. It is really coming into its own, but probably needs more time. I believe this a "Right Bank" styled Bordeaux blend from Carneros. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is nice with dark cherries, spice, leather and slight cherries. On the palate, this is showing nothing old, but starting to show some maturity. Layers of cherries, dark cherries and damp forest floor. Nice texture. Good balance. Nice finish. Very food friendly. A hit at the table.
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12/31/2014 - Latch wrote: 89 Points
Hints of vanilla come thru what is mostly blackberry and spices. Opened nicely after decanting, though less robust as others in the same vintage.
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11/18/2013 - CamWheeler wrote: 90 Points
Wines by the glass @ Rockpool B&G: Kirsch, tea leaves, some high quality but very evident lashings of oak, blackberry and some iron. The sweet fruit on the palate holds its own and thankfully isn't obliterated by the oak. Incredibly fine tannin structure. I think this will age fairly well as long as the precarious balance remains.
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2/15/2013 - jonanator wrote: 92 Points
Very pretty nose that really is somewhat "reminiscent" of a right bank Bordeaux (I would never go as far as to say it smells exactly like one though). On the palate, it is rich and mouthcoating with a medium finish. Notes of dark black cherries, blackberrys, and maybe a hint of new leather. Tannin's are present with a velvety texture. Acidity is a little high which takes away from the overall experience a little bit but I have a feeling that the acidity may calm down with some more time in bottle.
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11/25/2012 - jwongham wrote: 85 Points
Disappointing, for this producer, and notably inferior to earlier vintages. Acidity a little volatile. Structured but not harmonious.
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3/13/2011 - wineismylife wrote: 91 Points
Hyde De Villaine Winery Tasting (Hyde De Villaine Winery, Napa, CA): WIML91+/-
Tasted non blind at the winery.
Garnet to perhaps dark garnet color in the glass, clear looking throughout. Nose of thistle, hint of chocolate, black berries, a touch of wet stones with some nice underlying florals. Flavors of black berries, black cherries and a bit of plum. Medium acidity, medium to firm tannins, medium to full bodied. Drink now with some air or in the 2-7+/- year time frame.
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11/11/2010 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 92 Points
A visit to HdV: 88% Merlot/12$ Cabernet. Purple/ruby in color. The nose is sweaty with cassis and cherries. This is soft and silky. Complex. Mostly cherries on the palate at this point. Seems like it needs a few years. Very right bank in style. I really liked this one.
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