Hyde de Villaine’s ‘Californio’ Syrah pays tribute to the early California settlers, or Californio’s, those of Spanish heritage who tamed the wilds of the frontier. As descendants of the early Californio’s, the Hyde and de Villaine families strive to present a Syrah that highlights one of Californias premier growing sites, Hyde Vineyard, while embodying the elegance of the Old World. Barrel aged for 22 months in French oak the Californio Syrah is bottled unfined and unfiltered. Flavours of rich, black cherries and Asian plum open to black pepper, smoked red meat, and cigar box. Seductive aromas of sweet lavender and truffle are juxtaposed by layers of iron minerality and crushed Friar plum. Its restrained power and mouth-watering acidity are delicately balanced with integrated tannins that promise years of ageing. [#intro]A wonderfully harmonious and elegant expression of Syrah from one of Californias most prized vineyards…[/intro]