HdV Belle Cousine 2015
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Suckling
James
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Perfumed lilac and lavender unfold into brush-strokes of black cherry and fresh cassis bud. Intricate and concentrated flavors of red currant, dill, and a hint of cola dance across the tongue. Provencal spices and green olive add to the depth and complexity. Full, velvety tannins are accented by the freshness of the acidity and minerality. Patience will be rewarded; this wine promises to have long-term aging potential.
Blend: 53% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is very exciting with cassis-bush and plum character and very pretty rose-stem and leaf undertones. Full-bodied, layered and focused. Solid. Try after 2021.
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Robert
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Suckling
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Hyde de Villaine is a family venture between the Hyde family of Napa Valley and the de Villaine family of Burgundy. Aubert de Villaine, Co-Director of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, married Larry Hyde’s cousin, Pamela (nee Fairbanks), bringing the two families together. Hyde de Villaine wines represent the shared histories and winemaking philosophies of these families and one iconic single vineyard.
From inception, Hyde de Villaine has had one mandate, create wines that capture the true essence of vineyard and deliver it to the glass…no exceptions. The families strive to reach this goal each vintage because it is their belief that an unadulterated expression of exceptional terroir is what separates good wines from truly great wines.
Located on the eastern edge of the Carneros appellation, Hyde Vineyard is regarded as one of Napa Valley’s preeminent vineyards. Growing fruit for many of the region’s elite wineries, Hyde Vineyard produces some of the most sought-after grapes in Napa Valley. For almost four decades, Larry Hyde has managed all aspects of the vineyard including clonal selections.
Hyde de Villaine’s philosophy is that the best and most respectful winemaking is done prior to harvest in the vineyard. A range of biodynamic, organic and sustainable practices are used in the vineyard to ensure its viabililty for generations to come. The winemaking team spends countless hours working year-round with the vines to ensure that only the best quality fruit arrives at the winery. The ability to utilize multiple tank types allows Hyde de Villaine the flexibility to express the distinctive characteristics of each block. All wines are unfined and unfiltered.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.