The goal at the beginning of Patz & Hall Wine Co. in early 1988 was to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine of distinct personality with dramatic flavors, seductive textures and superior harmony of its elements, from the very finest vineyard sites in California. Along with the Napa Valley Chardonnay, which they have made since 1988, Patz & Hall released their first single vineyard Chardonnay from Carr Vineyard on Mount Veeder in 1994. In 1995, the portfolio again expanded to include a Russian River Valley Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In 1996 the first single vineyard wines from Hyde Vineyard in Carneros were added - both a Chardonnay and a Pinot Noir. Patz & Hall is delighted to now have access to superior grape sources like Alder Springs Vineyard in Northern Mendocino County a source of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. A premier vineyard in Monterey County along the Santa Lucia Highlands - Pisoni Vineyard, planted to Pinot Noir; and Dutton Ranch for Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley.

"This is basically a high-class nagociant operation with access to some of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir's finest vineyards. They produce Burgundian-styled, fresh, character-filled wines loaded with pure fruit." Robert Parker

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Chardonnay Woolsey Road
Woolsey Road Vineyard is owned by Lee Martinelli, whose family has been growing grapes for over 100 years. This vineyard is in the heart of the Russian River Valley situated on a hill about 150 feet above River Road. The grapes were planted on AXR in 1972 using a Chardonnay selection of Tepesquet clone from Santa Barbara County. The Woolsey Road vineyard has a northern facing exposure and our 3 acre section is at the top of the hill, allowing for excellent drainage for the clay loam soil. The vineyard spacing is 8 by 10 feet and is cane pruned with vertical shoot positioning. Woolsey Road Vineyard more often produces subtle floral notes, perfume and mineral elements which makes for a very interesting contrast with some of Patz's other Chardonnay wines. A complex perfume, floral aroma with delicate and nuanced undertones of barrel spice and mineral seem to be the typical characters of Woolsey Road Vineyard.
2002  very limited
"Aromas of wet stone, lemon, lime and melon. Very ripe but uncompromisingly dry, with a sneaky minerality carrying through to the spicy finish. Despite its dryness, this boasts an almost oily density of texture." 91 Steve Tanzer, International Wine cellar 5-6/04
"Slowly unfolds to reveal a rich, supple, opulent core of fleshy hazelnut, creamy vanilla, yellow apple and pretty floral scents, finishing with a long, complex aftertaste that picks up a smoky edge. 658 cases made." 90 Wine Spectator Weekly 11/20-03
"Reveals more structure and acidity as well as a firmer personality. Clean tangerine and lemon notes along with hints of honeysuckle and citrus oil are also found in this long, dense, impressively pure effort." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #150
2001very limited
"Lime oil, lime blossom, pineapple and a buttery note on the nose. Broad in texture, but also minerally and lemony; less oily and fat than the Napa bottling. Nicely restrained pineapple, citrus and stony flavors show very good delineation. Developing slowly." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5/6-03
"If showing the family traits of ripeness, very rich oak and a fleshy sense of fruit, this wine is a touch brighter and firmer in structure than either of its mates. Its central theme of juicy apples is enriched by lots of vanillin oak and complexing hints of minerals lend a bit of extra range. Very long and nicely balanced from front to back, it is the most cellar worthy of the three and will only get better if its charms can be resisted for a couple of years." 92 Connoisseur's Guide 3/03

"Scents of minerals, apple blossoms, tangerine skins, honeysuckle, and citrus oil jump from the glass of the complex 2000 Chardonnay Woolsey Road. This is a synthesis in style between a grand cru French Burgundy (because of its distinctive terroir characteristics) and a ripe, fruit-driven California Chardonnay. This beautiful, delicate yet powerful effort was aged in 90% new Francois Freres French oak. Drink this beauty over the next 3-4 years.? 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142

This site in Carneros is becoming increasingly famous as spectacular wine after wine is produced from Larry Hyde's grapes. The source of this Chardonnay is a hillside section planted to the ?Hyde-Wente? selection of Chardonnay in combination with another unique Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay type: 'Musque'. The two selections work together to make a interlocking, complete wine. The Wente component is rich and textural, creating a rich, lingering finish while the ?Musque? selection grapes add exotic fruit, floral notes. Fans of Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay should not miss this wine.

"850 cases made. A tremendous Chardonnay, richly aromatic, with spicy bread dough, yeast, pear and lemon meringue-like flavors that are concentrated, yet elegant and refined. Impeccably balanced, with lively acidity, the flavors are vibrant and youthful." 94 Wine Spectator Weekly 4/4/04
"Musky, vibrant aromas of orange zest, lemon peel, minerals and smoke. Rich and thick but quite dry, with chewy flavors of lemon, flowers and minerals. Very elegantly styled for such a densely packed, structured chardonnay. Finishes quite full and long. A superb showing." 93 Steve Tanzer, International Wine cellar 5-6/04

"The tightly-knit 2000 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard (1,350 cases) displays vibrant acid levels, plenty of lemon custard, orange, and citrus characteristics, and medium to full-bodied, concentrated, nicely textured flavors. Purity, texture, harmony, and well-integrated oak characterize this impressively endowed Chardonnay. It is best consumed over the next several years, but given it's French-like acid profile, it will undoubtedly last even longer.? 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

"From alluvial soils, the 1999 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard offers flamboyant aromatics of orange marmalade, pineapple, and honeysuckle. In addition to the perfume, the wine offers superb fruit, excellent purity, and a ripe, medium to full-bodied, long finish. It tips the scales between 14 and 14.2% alcohol. It should also drink well for 3-4 years." 90?Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Chardonnay Alder Springs?
Alder Springs Vineyard is an awesome Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyard in northern Mendocino County at 2000 feet, on the side of a mountain within 7 miles of the Pacific Ocean . Alder Springs is planted to a selection of Dijon clones, primarily clone #76 and #96 with a small amount #95.The additional clones are expected to come online with upcoming vintages to add even more complexity. This is an immaculately groomed vineyard under the supervision of owner Stuart Bewley. It has innovative clones, state of the art rootstock and superior trellising on superior soils making it one of the most exciting new Chardonnay sites in California.

"588 cases made. Beautifully crafted, weaving together a rich array of complex, concentrated flavors, while offering an amazingly elegant mouthfeel. The ripe pear, hazelnut, ginger and honeysuckle flavors are deep and persistent, revealing hints of vanilla and lemon-lime, with a subtle, smoky aftertaste." 93 Wine Spectator Weekly 4/8/04 "The 2002 Chardonnay Alder Springs Vineyard is cut from the same mold as the 2001. Powerful, full-bodied, rich, and intensely concentrated, but oh, so pure and delineated, this knock-out offering will benefit from another 4-6 months of aging, and will drink well for 4-5 years." 92 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #150
"Highly nuanced nose offers lemon, pineapple, minerals, pear skin and creme brulee Dense, thick, rich and powerful, with a distinctly oily texture. Superripe hint of lemon candy supported by underlying minerality. Very chewy and long on the aftertaste, with a hint of alcoholic warmth." 91 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5-6/04

"The 2001 Chardonnay Alder Springs Vineyard offers up aromas of citrus, liquid minerals, and smoke in a high-class, complex yet restrained bouquet. It is exceptionally pure and medium to full-bodied, with loads of fruit. The most backward yet potentially the finest of the 2001s, it reveals tremendous length, intensity, and fruit. Drink it over the next 5-7 years." 93 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #150

Chardonnay Dutton Ranch?
The Dutton family is among the top few elite grape growers in California. They own several vineyard sites under the collective name - Dutton Ranch. This is from five of their sites - Mill Station Vineyard and Morelli Lane Vineyard with "Old Wente Clone" Chardonnay, Sebastopol Vineyard with "Robert Young Clone" Chardonnay, Rued Vineyard with a unique selected Chardonnay clone ("Rued Clone") and Dutton Hill Vineyard with California heirloom clone 04. Extremely low yields in 2002 due to poor flowering weather is the spring reduced yields by over 1/3, resulting in a very small bottling.

"Very Burgundian in its presentation of rich, complex flavors, which take in a mix of spiced apple, pear, hazelnut and creamy anise scents. Complex and concentrated, it finishes with a long, subtle aftertaste that keeps echoing fruit and oaky nuances." 92 Wine Spectator Weekly
4/8/04
"Complex nose offers lemon drop, toasted bread, spices and gunflint, plus hints of exotic fruits. Very dense and very dry, with more obvious sweetness and fat than usual for this bottling. Strong fruit and spice flavors are already very accessible. In a distinctly crowd-pleasing style, more aromatic and sweet than the Durell bottling." 91 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5-6/04
?2001 very limited
"There are 4,020 cases of the powerful, smoky, hazelnut-scented 2000 Chardonnay Dutton Ranch. The wine was aged in 60% new French oak, and reveals excellent honeyed citrus characteristics, leesy, ripe flavors, and good delineation because of higher than normal acid levels. It adequately conceals the lofty 14.2% alcohol. It should drink well for 2-3 years.? 91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142

Chardonnay Napa?
Hyde Vineyard produced an especially high quality and moderately sized crop in 2001. Along with Caldwell Vineyard it has formed the basis of the "Napa Valley Chardonnay" since 1990. In 2001 the wine from young vines at Carr Vineyard on Mt. Veeder in the Napa Valley were added to the blend. These sources along with the fine grapes from Atlas Peak Vineyard and very artisanal, handcrafted style of winemaking produced one of their best ever Napa Valley Chardonnays.

"Very Burgundian in its style and range of complex flavors, exhibiting a tight, rich core of pear and apple shaded by toasty, buttery oak, which gives the wine added flavor and structure. Drink now through 2007." 92 The Wine Spectator 4/30/04

"A mix of rich, creamy pear, fig, honeysuckle and melon with a sense of elegance and finesse. The finish is long and luxurious." 90 Wine Spectator Weekly 11/28/02
"Brilliantly constructed in every dimension, this keenly focused, impeccably balanced bottling slices layer upon layer of creamy oak, vanilla and sweet toasty spice on top of its compelling ripe apple fruit. Nothing is held in reserve here, yet the deep, wholly succulent young Chardonnay remains incredibly light on its feet and like its brothers, it is uncommonly energetic for such a big wine. Its fairly frontal nature might seem to argue against long cellaring but its richness and its juicy heart make it into as fine a choice for a bit of keeping as they do for a wine that will reward current drinking." 94 Connoisseur's Guide 3/03

"The boldly-styled 2000 Chardonnay Napa offers rich, ripe, opulent fruit, a succulent texture, full body, and a flamboyant, tropical fruit personality displaying a judicious touch of smoky oak. It is layered, impressive, and more obvious than the Woolsey Road cuvee. This offering will drink well for 2-3 years.?? The 2000 Chardonnay Napa (3,200 cases aged in 70% new French oak) exhibits a light greenish/straw color, crisp acid levels, and a zesty bouquet of lemon rind, orange marmalade, currants, and a hint of white flowers. This expressive, medium to full-bodied, elegant, and pure wine is a wonderful introduction to the Patz and Hall style. It should drink well for 2-3 years." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142

Chardonnay Durell?
This is the second vintage from this prestige site in the Sonoma Valley. It is even better than the 2001 version. This site includes the first grapes from the section of extremely rocky land planted just for Patz & Hall. A combination of power and finesse here - pure peach/apple aromas that are finely etched with hazelnut and barrel spice. In the mouth it shows deep, concentrated flavors that retain a sense of restraint and potential to unfold for many months ahead. Very complex, very sophisticated.

"A rich, unctuous style, with ripe fig, apricot, honey and vanilla flavors that are deeply concentrated, showing off a pretty dose of smoky, spicy oak. Drink now through 2007. 551 cases made." 91 The Wine Spectator 4/30/04

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Pinot Noir Hyde?
Hyde Vineyard has a number of different clones and parcels devoted to different grape varieties. Larry Hyde grows excellent Pinot Noir for a number of wine projects. The grapes came from three sites within the vineyard - first, a tiny plot of Pinot Noir clone #113, second a somewhat larger parcel of old vine "Swan Clone" and most recently added to the mix, a small parcel of both Dijon clone #113 and "Calera Clone".
 

"Seductive, delicate, rich and polished, with complex plum, black cherry, raspberry and rose petal scents. Impressive balance, depth, purity and persistence. Firm, fine grained tannins keep the flavors lively on a long finish. Drink now through 2010." 93 Wine Spectator Weekly 4/8/04
"Complex nose melds raspberry, cherry, espresso, mocha and minerals. Lush, sweet and creamy, with a captivating sappy freshness and noteworthy density. Here, too, the raspberry fruit is superripe, but there's also solid framing acidity to keep the wine fresh. Finishes with very suave, even tannins. Hall and Moses consider this their best Hyde pinot bottling to date." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 5-6/04

"Bright black cherry and plum aromas with a hint of spice and oak; bright, forward black cherry flavors, some toasty oak, spice, nutmeg notes; great structure and balance with a long finish. Elegant yet powerful Pinot with a depth of flavor that just keeps going on and on. 700 cases made." 92 Pinot Report 6/03
"Good deep red. Cherry, minerals and a hint of menthol on the bright nose. Delicate flavors of strawberry and minerals; offers lovely intensity without any undue weight. Finishes with silky tannins." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar?

"Readers should not think the 2000 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard's light to medium ruby color means there is a shortage of flavor. On the contrary, it possesses abundant quantities of sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with dried herbs, earth, and smoke, along with a meaty element reminiscent of a Morey-St.-Denis. This tasty, luscious, medium to full-bodied Pinot should be consumed over the next 4-5 years.? 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142