Patz & Hall Hyde Pinot Noir

Turning more towards the red-fruit spectrum of aromas and flavors than in previous vintages, the 2006 Hyde Vineyard Carneros Pinot Noir showcases layers of strawberry, cherry and cassis. To accentuate these vibrant qualities, the winemaking incorporated 20 percent whole clusters, which also contributed an exotic hint of cinnamon-clove spice. Intricate, ethereal and aromatically driven, this nuanced Pinot Noir seamlessly blends smooth tannins with natural minerality and focused acidity, yielding a wine with bright, appealing finesse and sophistication.

Region Description

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.