Hydra Red Wine is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, sourced from Brosseau Vineyard in the Chalone AVA. Fermentation includes 70% whole cluster and 30% destemmed whole berries, using native yeasts, followed by 10 months of ageing in neutral 500-litre oak puncheons. The wine is super-juicy, easy-drinking, vibrant, and energetic, bursting with blue fruit and exotic brown spice—what Rob Fischer aptly calls a “Christmas spice” character. Hydra is the bottling that allows Fischer to experiment freely each year, a true winemaker’s blend driven by instinct and creativity. In this vintage, the wine shows an almost carbonic lift, incredibly bright and juicy, layered with pastille-like fruit, a dusting of white pepper, and a generous, easy-going texture. Inspired by trips to Spain and the culture of effortlessly drinkable reds meant to be enjoyed over long meals—and more than one bottle—he absolutely nailed it here.
