1998
Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir, Cuvee Agustina, Hyde Vineyard Carneros, Napa Valley
Winemaker's Notes
Inspired by the birth of my daughter, Agustina, I decided to create a label dedicated to the highest expression of the winemaker?s art. The wine is a selection of the best barrels of our Hyde Vineyard Pinot Noir. Inviting aromas of black cherry, plum, and anise lead to pure, ripe flavors that continue to evolve in the glass. The silky midpalate shows excellent balance among the tannins, acidity, and fruit. First Release. Alcohol 14.3%
Vineyard
Owner/Manager
Hyde Family / Larry Hyde
Vineyard
Hyde Vineyard
Appellation
Carneros, Napa Valley
Clones
Cabernet sauvignon: See (aka backus)
Pinot noir: Swan, Calera and Beba
Vineyard Age
18 years
Site
Alluvial sandy-clay loam, gentle east facing hillside
Yield
Less than 1.8 tons /acre
Harvest
Harvest Date
September 30 to October 2, 1998
Harvest Brix
25.4° avg.
Growing Season
The El Niño influenced spring delayed the start of the growing season and contributed to a small crop yield. An extended Indian Summer allowed the fruit to reach maturity with rich, complex flavors.
Winemaking
Hand-harvested grapes
Fermented in small, open-top stainless steel fermentors.
Fermentation with indigenous yeast, 18 to 27 days to completion
Malolactic fermentation in barrels
Barrel aged 14 months, 75% new Francois Freres oak barrels
Unblended, unfined, unfiltered; bottled December 1999
