Carneros (officially Los Carneros AVA) is one of California’s most respected and distinctive wine regions, straddling the southern end of both Napa and Sonoma counties. Cooled by persistent breezes and morning fog from San Pablo Bay, Carneros enjoys a true maritime climate that produces some of the finest cool-climate wines in the state.
The region’s clay and loam soils, combined with its windy, foggy conditions, slow ripening and preserve acidity — resulting in wines known for balance, finesse, and aging potential rather than sheer power. Many of California’s most acclaimed sparkling wine producers (such as Domaine Carneros, Gloria Ferrer, and Mumm Napa) are based here, alongside outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from wineries like Kistler, Robert Sinskey, and Hyde Estate.
In short, Carneros delivers some of the most elegant, Burgundy-inspired wines in California — a cool-climate gem that consistently punches above its weight.
Hyde de Villaine Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Hyde Vineyard is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
Star-bright vibrancy. Chiseled acidity and minerality focus the palate with flavors spanning lemon ice to dried mango and hazelnut. The purity of this wine showcases the coolness of the 2023 vintage. A captivating texture of precision and charm highlights this complexity offering.
Review:
This wine is truly excellent, showing a mineral-edged nose with pure energy and tension. Aromas of struck match, citrus blossoms, crushed stones and salted nuts. The palate is taut, with no hard edges and driving acidity that keeps you salivating for minutes. Closing in on perfection. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 99 Points
Hyde de Villaine Napa Valley Hyde Vineyard Belle Cousine is made from 85% Cabernet Sauvignon & 15% Merlot.
The name Belle Cousine is a reference to Pamela Fairbanks de Villaine, Larry Hyde’s lovely cousin, who is the wife of Aubert de Villaine of Burgundy. It is Pamela who brings these visionary viticultural families from Burgundy and the Carneros region of Napa Valley together to make wines that express the character of place, with that rare minerality so dear to the Burgundian palate. Belle Cousine is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon that varies each vintage; Merlot from Niebaum selections and Cabernet from Bordeaux-origin selections.
The vineyard is certified Napa Green Land and Fish Friendly Farming and Larry Hyde uses a variety of biodynamic and organic practices in the vineyard; the wines are unfined and unfiltered.
Review:
"The balance of fruit purity and savory nuances is divine. Aromas of black currants, licorice, dried herbs and leather. The palate is mid-weighted with a pure, refined mouthfeel and firmly framed yet fine tannins. A well-crafted blend of 85% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot that shows great harmony."
-James Suckling 96 Points
An Earth Mother, with velvet-lined blackberry, Bay leaf, graphite, and roasted coffee bean. Chalky tannins grip the teeth, with a dusty grip. From its backbone and vibrant acidity, to its notes of dried violets on the finish, we bow to its elegant nature.
- The Somm Journal, Apr/May 2025 97 Points
Precise, brilliant and engaging, a three-dimensional wine that shows itself in all its splendor. Notes of black cherries, mixed plums, mixed flowers and bergamot describe the secondary scene. Lemon peel and ginger the secondary one. Full body, perfectly extracted tannins and a vertical finish of infinite presence. Better from 2029.
-WineCritics.com 97 Points
Based on 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2022 Château Lascombes pulls from 40% of the total production and was aged 18 months mostly in barrels (60% new) with a small portion in foudre. This inky hued beauty boasts a rich, concentrated, full-bodied, well-oaked style as well as pure cassis and darker berry fruits, some graphite, scorched earth, and licorice nuances, terrific overall balance, and a great finish.
-Jeb Dunnuck 96+ Points
Freelander Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay aged in French and American Oak barrels.
Freelander wines have been made in Napa Valley, CA since the founding. The fruit comes from select vineyards that produce elegant and impressive wines. Freelander Chardonnay shows good acidity and provides a nice balance with ripe pineapple, pear, and passion fruit flavors. Just a hint of vanilla spice oak ends in a finish that’s clean and pure.