I’ve been buying Auteur pinots and chardonnays for the last 18 months or so based upon recommendations from folks around here and over at eBob when I was still active there. The descriptions sounded great but I had not actually tasted any of the wines until this evening. After splitting a bottle of the 2007 Hyde Chardonnay this evening with my wife, beside Dungeness crab cakes, I can now agree that Auteur is making some fantastic wine. Here are my notes:
First of all, keep in mind that I have only warmed to Chardonnay over the last two years and it’s still a little difficult for me to identify smells and tastes with too much specificity. I have, however, fallen for Chardonnay pretty hard, and especially the un-oaked or little-oaked wines. Having said that, though, this Auteur Hyde was one of the best wines – not just whites, but wines – that I’ve ever had, and I’m confident about my notes.
Color: pale, straw yellow – not a rich yellow.
Nose: lemon zest, peach – almost a peach compote, very mineral and stoney – especially as the night went on. Maybe some honeysuckle? The tiniest hint of cloves??? This wine has a BEAUTIFUL smell. Really wonderful.
Mouth: a seamless marriage of fruit and acidity. The fruit is intense but not the slightest bit overbearing.
Finish: VERY long finish that gently and evenly fades leaving a beautiful balance of fruit and acidity.
I really loved this wine and will definitely keep on buying from these folks. And the free shipping is just bitchin’.
rOB