Tasting Notes: Pale gold with a brilliant clarity; aromas of green apple, pear, lemon zest, and floral notes with a touch of toasted almond and vanilla; full-bodied and well-structured with balanced acidity, creamy texture, and flavors of ripe stone fruits, citrus, and subtle mineral undertones, leading to a long, elegant finish.
99 Points James Suckling: This wine is truly excellent, showing a mineral-edged nose with pure energy and tension. Aromas of struck match, citrus blossoms, crushed stones, and salted nuts. The palate is taut, with no hard edges and driving acidity that keeps you salivating for minutes. Closing in on perfection. Drink or hold. 99 Points. James Suckling Dec 19, 2025
Winery Story: Hyde de Villaine is a collaboration between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy, bringing together world-class viticulture and winemaking expertise from both regions. The partnership aims to produce wines of distinction that reflect the unique terroir of Carneros. Their Chardonnay captures the precision and elegance of Burgundy while embracing the richness and vibrancy characteristic of Napa Valley fruit, offering a balanced expression of New World and Old World winemaking philosophies.
Aubert de Villaine
Aubert de Villaine, married to the Hyde’s aunt Pamela F. de Villaine, is one of Burgundies most recognized individuals. As the proprietor of his own wine, Domaine de Villaine, and as co-director of Domaine de la Romanée Conti, Aubert has spent his years carefully studying every nuance that might enhance his viticultural and enological practices.
R. E. “Rick" Hyde III
A seventh-generation Californian descended from one of the state’s earliest farming families, Rick Hyde brings a distinguished agricultural lineage to his position as President of HdV Wines and as a member of the historic de la Guerra family.
In 2000, he co-founded the winery through a notable partnership with his Uncles, Aubert de Villaine of Burgundy and Larry Hyde of Napa Valley.
Since HdV’s inception, he has served as a principal figure in the family’s winemaking enterprise, providing the leadership that has shaped the winery’s reputation.
Mr. Hyde began his wine industry career in his teenage years, driving tractors and delivering loads of fruit for Hyde Vineyard. Thereafter, he continued his involvement by developing Las Trancas Vineyard with Larry Hyde and Sonoma Stage Vineyard with his Father, Richard Hyde.
Although his family’s winemaking heritage is firmly rooted in California, Mr. Hyde resides in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, Rachel, where they raised their two daughters, Caroline and Colette.
Born and raised deep in the rich traditions of Frances greatest winemaking techniques, Aubert brings to the partnership the foundation upon which the venture bases its theories and practices. Though tradition and history may run heavily in his veins, his uncompromising desire to experiment and learn has brought him to the Napa Valley to work with family.
Guillaume Boudet
Guillaume joined Hyde de Villaine as a harvest intern in the summer of 2013 and was promoted to Associate Winemaker in 2015. Guillaume works closely with Larry and Chris Hyde on all vineyard matters and reports to Aubert de Villaine on matters involving winemaking.
Born in Bordeaux and raised in Toulouse, France; his passion for wine was first initiated at a young age by his grandfather, who worked as a cooper with many of the first growth Chateaus of Bordeaux. Guillaume earned his master’s degree in agricultural engineering, then pursued a degree in winemaking and viticulture from the University of Bordeaux while working for ultra-premium wineries in the Sonoma Coast and Bordeaux.
Guillaume believes strongly in terroir-driven winemaking, which emphasizes the many qualities of Hyde Vineyard, with minimal manipulation in the cellar.
