Hyde de Villaine (HdV) Syrah Napa Valley Californio 2018

98 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2018 Syrah Californio Hyde Vineyard is dark and explosive in the glass. Ripe red cherry, plum, chocolate, leather and licorice open first, followed by more typical Syrah notes of black pepper, game, tobacco, incense and leather that add a striking upper register. The 2018 was done entirely with destemmed fruit, yet it has plenty of savory energy. I must admit, I am generally not the biggest fan of Syrahs from Hyde, but the 2018 is a flat-out stunner. Drink: 2026-2038. (Jan 2022)"

96 points James Suckling: "It really smells like Cote-Rotie with purple fruit, grilled meat, tar, ink and oyster shell. Blood orange too. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and asphalt. Wonderful length and polish. Long and very precise. Give it time to open and show itself on the palate. Try after 2025. (4/7/22)"

95+ points Erin Brooks (Wine Advocate): "The 2018 Syrah Californio, aged 15-16 months in 20% new French oak, is fragrant and seamless. Blackcurrants, plums and blueberries are accented by touches of violet, coffee bean, potting soil and cast iron on the nose. The medium-bodied palate is granular and lifted, with ringing violet perfume and a very long, layered finish. It's stunning straight from bottle (and highly drinkable at just 13.9% alcohol), but it offers the concentration and freshness to develop savory complexity in the cellar over the next decade or more. Drink 2023-2037 (Jul 2022)."